Donald Alfano has operated a successful independent piano studio in the New Haven area for the past thirty years, and is committed to teaching students of all ages and levels. In addition to teaching privately, he has also taught at the college level.
Formerly on the faculty of Southern Connecticut State University, Alfano has also taught in the community college system in CT, (Capital, Manchester) and currently at Housatonic Community College, where he has taught for the past twenty-five years. At Housatonic, he teaches Music History and Appreciation, Latin and Caribbean Music, Popular Music in America: from Jazz to Rock, and History of Jazz. He has also guest lectured at several universities throughout the region, and the US.
Alfano also serves as organist at Christ Bread of Life Parish in Hamden. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Boston University, his Master of Music degree from The Manhattan School of Music, and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Case Western Reserve University, and the Cleveland Institute of Music where he was the recipient of the Victor Babin Award in Piano and was awarded an accompanying fellowship.
He has studied with some of the finest artist-teachers and concert pianists in the US and Europe who include: Constance Keene, John Browning, Jack Radunsky, Jean Shepler, Elizabeth Hagenah, Michel Block, Elizabeth Pastor, Sophia Rosoff, and has coached with Alicia de Larrocha. Dr. Alfano has also performed in solo and chamber music recitals in North America and Europe.
In addition to teaching and performing, Dr. Alfano is interested in the scholarly aspect of music has had several articles published in both foreign and American journals on a variety of musical subjects. His articles have also been referenced in Guide to the Pianists Repertoire, by Maurice Hinson, (3rd edition). His particular interest is the pedagogy, performance, and interpretation of 18th and 19th century piano music, in addition to 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. He has also appeared on National Public Radio in the capacity of a performer and commentator.