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THE ALFANO
VOICE STUDIO
Unlock your potential!
The Alfano Voice Studio prides itself in providing high quality, individualized singing lessons to avocational and vocational students in the Northeast Florida region. By drawing heavily from the established and trusted traditions of bel canto, and by grounding all technique in the pioneering research of voice science and vocology, studio members are able to improve in ways they never previously imagined.
Voice lessons are taught by international soprano and stage director, Christine Alfano (M. Mus. Voice Performance). An active teaching artist, Christine is an Adjunct Professor of Voice for the Musical Theatre program at Florida School of the Arts.
The studio works with the student, or parents of the student, to design a comprehensive curriculum that may be customized to include supplementary instruction in music literacy, music theory, aural skillls, foreign language, basic piano, songwriting, and acting. In doing this, the studio creates true musicians who have great success achieving their personal music goals-- whether that is performing professionally, acing an audition, or simply improving their vocal and musicianship skills for fun.
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​The Alfano Voice Studio offers specialized technical instruction in all styles of singing, from opera to rock n' roll... and everything in between!
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All lessons are taught out of a private school in the San Jose neighborhood of Jacksonville, or online. To learn about In-Home lessons, please visit the FAQ.
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To book a trial lesson, please email alfanovoicestudio@gmail.com or utilize the contact form.
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Teaching Philosophy
Creating Empowered Artists and Individuals
One Lesson at a Time
As a voice teacher, I want my students —adults and children alike— to genuinely believe that they can do anything if they work hard, abandon their fear of failure, and embrace persistence.
To accomplish this goal, I make sure to meet each of my students at their level. Every student is a unique individual, thus they should be given highly personalized instruction. Using a clinical ear to diagnose and correct all manner of vocal faults both common and uncommon, I am able to gently guide the student on their journey toward discovering their vocal truths. Students leave the lesson with techniques that they are able to replicate successfully at home, without my guidance.
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I consider it an immense honor that my students are willing to share their voices with me; it takes a great deal of courage, especially for first-time students. In the studio, I immediately establish a supportive environment where experimentation is encouraged; an environment where we are working to find, cultivate, and celebrate that which makes their voices, and what they have to say as artists, totally and beautifully unique. Voice lessons should be fun and fulfilling for all ages!
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I believe that great singing should be easy, honest, and free. As someone who has had to go through the long, arduous process of rehabilitating my voice due to poor instruction, I know how crucial it is to teach healthy technique that is grounded in the body. When teaching, I draw from my knowledge of all pedagogical philosophies to find something that will work for each individual student. I teach by the following rule: “Everything works for someone, but nothing works for everyone.” Many teachers only teach the technique that they themselves needed as a developing vocalist. I am strongly against this all too common one-size-fits all approach!​
Inclusivity is deeply integrated into my teaching philosophy. All students should feel represented and empowered by the music they study; for this reason, I encourage students to play an active role in choosing their repertoire. When students feels like they have a seat at the table, we cultivate a studio environment in which growth prospers. This helps to build trust and respect and fosters a team-mindset.
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When working with students dramatically (if they are studying musical theatre or classical repertoire), I encourage them to voice their own character interpretations. I ask questions that get them to think in new ways— questions that lead them to answers that they otherwise wouldn’t have thought of. We then take those answers and work together to flesh them out further, so that the student’s ideas can be fully realized. This serves an important practical function: so that they gain the confidence to convincingly portray roles on their own, without the help of professional dramatic coaching.
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I am proud to say that my studio is a safe space for all individuals, regardless of race, gender, or orientation.
Testimonials
"Christine helped me access high notes I never knew I had. It's been an absolute joy to study with her!"
Student, 43
"I was able to make All-State choir thanks to Ms. Alfano! She has made me so much more confident in all areas of my life-- not just singing."
Student, 14
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"I've taken lessons with many teachers, but none have personally invested in me like Christine. She truly cares abut each and every one of her students, and supports us in any way she can."
Student, 27
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"Voice lessons are my favorite part of the week! I've learned so much about music and acting with Ms. Christine, and have gotten solos and roles in school productions with her help!"
Student, 15
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"There is no one else in town I would recommend to friends looking to improve their voices and musical skills."
Student, 62
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"Singing is an incredibly vulnerable and potentially embarrassing thing for someone to do, especially when beginning. One of Christine's greatest strengths as a teacher is her ability to instill confidence and provide a safe space for her students. I also really enjoyed the simplicity with which she was able to explain the physical aspects like balancing breath pressure, which I would imagine aren't the easiest things to explain."
Student, 23
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"Since Christine is an international performer and director, I know I'm getting top-notch stage and vocal training. She's the complete package as a teacher."
Student, 31
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do you offer a free trial lesson?No free trial lessons are currently being offered. To book a trial lesson, please email alfanovoicestudio@gmail.com letting Christine know your interest!
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How do I schedule and book a lesson?Please send an email to alfanovoicestudio@gmail.com or call 561.251.8939 to reserve a voice lesson. Please note that payment is due before the lesson takes place.
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What is included in the cost of the voice lesson?Included in the cost: - Personalized vocal and musical instruction - Practice tracks of songs - Specialized audition / competition prep - Audition recording - Sheet music from my personal music library - A recorded voice lesson that you can continuously refer to, if you choose to record Not included in the cost: Here are some common expenses that you may encounter over the course of your vocal study, depending on your personal needs and goals: - Sheet music not in my extensive personal library - An accompanist, should you choose to have one - Competition fees, should you choose to compete - Recital fees, should you choose to participate - Miscellaneous fees for voice tools (straws, EMST devices, personal nebulizers, etc.) - Educational materials such as music theory and piano workbooks - Aural skills software for ear training and sight singing
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Do you offer discounted bundles of lessons?I occasionally will offer a discounted bundle of lessons; please don't hesitate to reach out if you'd like to check what specials I'm running!
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Where are you located?I teach out of a private school in the San Jose neighborhood of Jacksonville. Please email for exact location information!
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What genres do you teach?Short answer: I teach all genres of music! As a professional opera singer, naturally my specialty is teaching classical voice. However, the vast majority of my students sing music from other styles, including musical theatre, pop, rock, R&B, jazz, and everything in between! My approach to technique remains the same, no matter the genre. In this way, each student is given a reliable and healthy technique to employ, no matter what style they decide to sing.
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What ages do you teach?I teach all ages; However, I do not teach all ages the same material. I adapt my teaching methods and curriculum depending on the age and experience of the student. For example, voice lessons for younger singers will largely consist of basic music theory, basic piano, beginning ear training, posture and beginning breath ideas, performance skills that develop confidence, language skills, and some gentle vocal warm-ups. My goals at this age are to build musicianship skills and develop a deep love of music that will last the student's entire life. Students who have not gone through their voice change (i.e., puberty) cannot safely be taught more advanced technical concepts. For this reason, many choose to begin vocal training following puberty; before puberty, the student can focus on building lifelong musicianship skills that will prepare them for eventual intensive vocal study.
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Can you travel to students' homes?I offer this service on a case-by-case basis. If my schedule allows for an in-home lesson, I am happy to travel to your home! Please note that these lessons are, by nature, more expensive than in-studio lessons. I do however require that the initial voice consultation to occur at the studio. Additionally, you will need to have a piano or an electronic keyboard available to use. The rates for in-home lessons are higher than my normal rates to account for gas and travel time. Please email alfanovoicestudio@gmail.com for more information on these kinds of lessons, and for a price quote.
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Can I observe my child's lesson?Parents are always more than welcome to observe their child's voice lesson!
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What is your cancellation policy?Significant preparation goes into planning for each individual student. For a refund of your payment, 24-hour prior notice is needed. Any exceptions to this rule will be granted at the instructor's discretion. For more information about studio policies, please visit the "Policies" page found in the drop-down menu.
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Do you teach online lessons?Yes, I do!
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What should I bring to my lesson?- A pencil - A water bottle - Binder containing music / educational materials - Something to record audio with - A positive and receptive attitude!
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Are there studio recitals?This largely depends on student interest. If there is enough interest, yes!
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Can you help with Douglas Anderson and SJCCA auditions?Yes, absolutely! In the lessons leading up to audition day, we work on finding and refining repertoire, while also building sight singing / pitch recall skills. For musical theatre applicants, we zero-in on acting skills for the monologue portion of the audition, and find the best possible 16-bar cut of a musical theatre song to showcase your child's vocal strengths. We also discuss audition techniques to reduce feelings of nervousness, so that your child can present the very best version of themselves in the audition room.
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Have you passed a Level 2 background check?Yes, I have! Extensive background checks are mandatory for my ongoing work with San Jose Episcopal Day School and for my prior work as a Teaching Artist with Cathedral Arts Project.
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What kinds of payment do you accept?I accept Zelle (preferred), Check, and/or Cash.
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Is there a registration fee?No!
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Can I do lessons occasionally, or every-other-week?Of course! My studio does not utilize a monthly subscription, so you are free to book however often you'd like. Naturally, the most progress can be seen with weekly lessons. However, I completely understand that not everyone is able to afford this option.