Practice

Regularly scheduled practice is crucial in order to become proficient on an instrument. I will offer specific guidelines for parents to “monitor” their child’s practice sessions. It is better to practice for two shorter blocks of time than one long session. I will also require most students to record their practice sessions at least twice per year. The purpose is for me to determine whether the practice time is being used effectively. I share my observations with both the parents and the students. It is necessary that the student has a quiet place to practice where extraneous noise is kept to a minimum.

Supplies Please bring a notebook to the lessons. I will write specific practice instructions to which the student will refer during the week.

References Available upon request from current and former students, parents of students and other professionals.

Please visit the website www.donaldalfanopianistandteacher.com

For more information, call (203) 230-9405

Adult Class I have a special interest teaching the adult student whether you are a beginner, or one returning after a lapse of time, I have developed a unique approach to teaching based on a natural coordination; making use of the natural mechanism of the body in the most efficient manner. This fosters ease in playing and avoids strain that can be associated with playing the piano especially as an adult student. A variety of repertoire is assigned based on the needs and interests of the students. There are separate playing classes for adults where we all get together roughly four times a year and play for one another in a supportive atmosphere. These are at no extra cost to the student. There is also an annual recital at the end of the year.

Donald Alfano, D.M.A. Pianist and Teacher

Practice

Regularly scheduled practice is crucial in order to become proficient on an instrument. I will offer specific guidelines for parents to “monitor” their child’s practice sessions. It is better to practice for two shorter blocks of time than one long session. I will also require most students to record their practice sessions at least twice per year. The purpose is for me to determine whether the practice time is being used effectively. I share my observations with both the parents and the students. It is necessary that the student has a quiet place to practice where extraneous noise is kept to a minimum.

Supplies Please bring a notebook to the lessons. I will write specific practice instructions to which the student will refer during the week.

References Available upon request from current and former students, parents of students and other professionals.

Please visit the website www.donaldalfanopianistandteacher.com

For more information, call (203) 230-9405

Adult Class I have a special interest teaching the adult student whether you are a beginner, or one returning after a lapse of time, I have developed a unique approach to teaching based on a natural coordination; making use of the natural mechanism of the body in the most efficient manner. This fosters ease in playing and avoids strain that can be associated with playing the piano especially as an adult student. A variety of repertoire is assigned based on the needs and interests of the students. There are separate playing classes for adults where we all get together roughly four times a year and play for one another in a supportive atmosphere. These are at no extra cost to the student. There is also an annual recital at the end of the year.

Donald Alfano, D.M.A. Pianist and Teacher

Practice

Regularly scheduled practice is crucial in order to become proficient on an instrument. I will offer specific guidelines for parents to “monitor” their child’s practice sessions. It is better to practice for two shorter blocks of time than one long session. I will also require most students to record their practice sessions at least twice per year. The purpose is for me to determine whether the practice time is being used effectively. I share my observations with both the parents and the students. It is necessary that the student has a quiet place to practice where extraneous noise is kept to a minimum.

Supplies Please bring a notebook to the lessons. I will write specific practice instructions to which the student will refer during the week.

References Available upon request from current and former students, parents of students and other professionals.

Please visit the website www.donaldalfanopianistandteacher.com

For more information, call (203) 230-9405

Adult Class I have a special interest teaching the adult student whether you are a beginner, or one returning after a lapse of time, I have developed a unique approach to teaching based on a natural coordination; making use of the natural mechanism of the body in the most efficient manner. This fosters ease in playing and avoids strain that can be associated with playing the piano especially as an adult student. A variety of repertoire is assigned based on the needs and interests of the students. There are separate playing classes for adults where we all get together roughly four times a year and play for one another in a supportive atmosphere. These are at no extra cost to the student. There is also an annual recital at the end of the year.

Donald Alfano, D.M.A. Pianist and Teacher

Practice

Regularly scheduled practice is crucial in order to become proficient on an instrument. I will offer specific guidelines for parents to “monitor” their child’s practice sessions. It is better to practice for two shorter blocks of time than one long session. I will also require most students to record their practice sessions at least twice per year. The purpose is for me to determine whether the practice time is being used effectively. I share my observations with both the parents and the students. It is necessary that the student has a quiet place to practice where extraneous noise is kept to a minimum.

Supplies Please bring a notebook to the lessons. I will write specific practice instructions to which the student will refer during the week.

References Available upon request from current and former students, parents of students and other professionals.

Please visit the website www.donaldalfanopianistandteacher.com

For more information, call (203) 230-9405

Adult Class I have a special interest teaching the adult student whether you are a beginner, or one returning after a lapse of time, I have developed a unique approach to teaching based on a natural coordination; making use of the natural mechanism of the body in the most efficient manner. This fosters ease in playing and avoids strain that can be associated with playing the piano especially as an adult student. A variety of repertoire is assigned based on the needs and interests of the students. There are separate playing classes for adults where we all get together roughly four times a year and play for one another in a supportive atmosphere. These are at no extra cost to the student. There is also an annual recital at the end of the year.

Donald Alfano, D.M.A. Pianist and Teacher

Practice

Regularly scheduled practice is crucial in order to become proficient on an instrument. I will offer specific guidelines for parents to “monitor” their child’s practice sessions. It is better to practice for two shorter blocks of time than one long session. I will also require most students to record their practice sessions at least twice per year. The purpose is for me to determine whether the practice time is being used effectively. I share my observations with both the parents and the students. It is necessary that the student has a quiet place to practice where extraneous noise is kept to a minimum.

Supplies Please bring a notebook to the lessons. I will write specific practice instructions to which the student will refer during the week.

References Available upon request from current and former students, parents of students and other professionals.

Please visit the website www.donaldalfanopianistandteacher.com

For more information, call (203) 230-9405

Adult Class I have a special interest teaching the adult student whether you are a beginner, or one returning after a lapse of time, I have developed a unique approach to teaching based on a natural coordination; making use of the natural mechanism of the body in the most efficient manner. This fosters ease in playing and avoids strain that can be associated with playing the piano especially as an adult student. A variety of repertoire is assigned based on the needs and interests of the students. There are separate playing classes for adults where we all get together roughly four times a year and play for one another in a supportive atmosphere. These are at no extra cost to the student. There is also an annual recital at the end of the year.

Donald Alfano, D.M.A. Pianist and Teacher

Biography

Donald Alfano has operated a successful independent piano studio in the New Haven area for the past 22 years and is committed to teaching students of all ages and levels. His varied teaching experience includes teaching in public schools, privately, and on the college level. He currently teaches Music History and Appreciation, Jazz History and Latin and Caribbean Music at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport. Alfano also serves as organist at St. Joseph’s Church in New Haven. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Boston University, his Master of Music degree from Manhattan School of Music, and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Case Western Reserve and the Cleveland Institute of Music. While at that institute, he was the recipient of the Victor Babin Award in Piano and was awarded an accompanying fellowship. His teachers include Constance Keene, Jack Radunsky, Elizabeth Hagenah, Elizabeth Pastor and Sophia Rosoff. He has also coached with John Browning and Alicia de Larrocha. Dr. Alfano has performed in solo, chamber music, and lecture- recitals in North America and Europe and has appeared on National Public Radio. In addition to teaching and performing, Dr. Alfano has had several articles published in both foreign and American journals on a variety of musical subjects, some of which have been referenced in Maurice Hinson’s Guide to the Pianist’s Repertoire. Dr. Alfano’s particular interest is music of the 18th and 19th centuries, Spanish keyboard music and developing a healthy technique. A member of the National Federation of Music Clubs, the Connecticut Federation of Music Clubs and the College Music Society, Dr. Alfano is a frequent adjudicator at various festivals and competitions.

Instruction

Instruction is offered on an hourly, half-hour, or forty minute basis, generally in my studio.

Activities

Recital There is one recital annually that usually takes place in the New Haven Area in the late spring. Directions and specific details will be distributed at the time.

Playing classes Informal playing classes are an integral part of piano study where students assemble in a supportive environment and play for their peers. These are especially useful before a recital and festival. All are required to attend, and are at no extra cost to the student.

Article -Clavier Magazine, By Donald Alfano

Young Musicians Festival Each year the CT Federation of Music Clubs presents a festival for students whose teachers are members of the organization. The purpose of the festival is to afford youngsters the opportunity to play for their peers, and receive written evaluations from judges. This is also good preparation for our annual spring recital. The festival usually takes place on two week-ends in March at Fairfield University. I encourage all to participate. The cost is minimal per entrant, and the experience is well worth it. Following the festival, I receive a written evaluation that I share with the parents, and the students who receive a certificate. THIS IS NOT A COMPETITION; however, if a student performs well, he/she is recognized and is given a “superior” rating on the certificate. In addition, points are accumulated yearly; if a student does well in several consecutive years, he/she is awarded a gold cup.

Biography

Donald Alfano has operated a successful independent piano studio in the New Haven area for the past 22 years and is committed to teaching students of all ages and levels. His varied teaching experience includes teaching in public schools, privately, and on the college level. He currently teaches Music History and Appreciation, Jazz History and Latin and Caribbean Music at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport. Alfano also serves as organist at St. Joseph’s Church in New Haven. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Boston University, his Master of Music degree from Manhattan School of Music, and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Case Western Reserve and the Cleveland Institute of Music. While at that institute, he was the recipient of the Victor Babin Award in Piano and was awarded an accompanying fellowship. His teachers include Constance Keene, Jack Radunsky, Elizabeth Hagenah, Elizabeth Pastor and Sophia Rosoff. He has also coached with John Browning and Alicia de Larrocha. Dr. Alfano has performed in solo, chamber music, and lecture- recitals in North America and Europe and has appeared on National Public Radio. In addition to teaching and performing, Dr. Alfano has had several articles published in both foreign and American journals on a variety of musical subjects, some of which have been referenced in Maurice Hinson’s Guide to the Pianist’s Repertoire. Dr. Alfano’s particular interest is music of the 18th and 19th centuries, Spanish keyboard music and developing a healthy technique. A member of the National Federation of Music Clubs, the Connecticut Federation of Music Clubs and the College Music Society, Dr. Alfano is a frequent adjudicator at various festivals and competitions.

Instruction

Instruction is offered on an hourly, half-hour, or forty minute basis, generally in my studio.

Activities

Recital There is one recital annually that usually takes place in the New Haven Area in the late spring. Directions and specific details will be distributed at the time.

Playing classes Informal playing classes are an integral part of piano study where students assemble in a supportive environment and play for their peers. These are especially useful before a recital and festival. All are required to attend, and are at no extra cost to the student.

Article -Clavier Magazine, By Donald Alfano

Young Musicians Festival Each year the CT Federation of Music Clubs presents a festival for students whose teachers are members of the organization. The purpose of the festival is to afford youngsters the opportunity to play for their peers, and receive written evaluations from judges. This is also good preparation for our annual spring recital. The festival usually takes place on two week-ends in March at Fairfield University. I encourage all to participate. The cost is minimal per entrant, and the experience is well worth it. Following the festival, I receive a written evaluation that I share with the parents, and the students who receive a certificate. THIS IS NOT A COMPETITION; however, if a student performs well, he/she is recognized and is given a “superior” rating on the certificate. In addition, points are accumulated yearly; if a student does well in several consecutive years, he/she is awarded a gold cup.