About
Please contact me through my website if you would like to get in touch.
Contact - https://www.alinavoicestudio.com/contact
ONLINE LESSONS - alinavoicestudio.com - I guide my students on their own unique paths of musical interests in a healthy, encouraging way to achieve incredible results, all led by a deep understanding of vocal production.
There are many principles and exercises that are fundamental to improving vocally and maintaining a healthy voice. I believe in using my knowledge as a vocalist to teach in a creative, flexible way that helps each unique person connect positively with, develop and better understand their own voice and what they want to achieve from it.
Unlike other instruments, the voice is especially unique to its owner. It is very personal and has the power to help us express ourselves and our art. People come into lessons at different starting points with different ideas about what they think and feel about their voice. I am here to help you be able to discover and gain control of how you want to be able to use your voice. I’ve spent 13 years of my life as a voice student and believe from my personal experience as well as from the growth of my students in the positive impact consistent lessons with a supportive teacher can have in developing as a well-rounded singer, performer and confident individual.
I love engaging with students who have a desire to improve their voices. Each student comes with a unique set of talents and struggles that I, as their teacher, get the honor of helping guide them through while watching them grow.
If you’re interested in lessons with me or have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly at alinavoicestudio.com/contact
Alina Stephenson
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Before we start lessons, I like to get to know a bit about what interests you musically and vocally by asking for a short list of songs you might like to work on through the course of your lessons or artists who inspire you.
Our first lesson will be similar to every other lesson in that I will start you with some vocal exercises/warm ups to get a feel for your voice for the first half of the lesson and then move onto a song for the second half of the lesson. We will start with whatever you feel most comfortable with and build from there!
Lessons will involve mostly the act of singing but will include discussing how the sound is being produced, why we do the exercises we do, how we feel when we sing and tactics to release unnecessary tension and use proper technique and musicality when singing.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
BFA in Musical Theater from Pace University in New York, NY
Weill Cornell Medicine Course - Care of Performing Voice: Decatastrophizing Vocal Injury
How did you get started teaching?
I have had the privilege of working with excellent voice teachers throughout my life who have inspired me with their knowledge, curiosity, generosity and love for teaching. I hope to give back to each of my students. When I was studying musical theater in New York City and I first showed an interest in pursuing teaching, my wonderful voice teacher, Chris York, who is a Broadway vocal coach became my mentor on vocal teaching techniques and strategies both in his voice studio and in vocal seminars. From then on, my interest and passion for continually growing my knowledge of the voice and teaching has been ongoing!
What types of students have you worked with?
All ages - I have worked with young kids, teens, adults and retired adults
All skill levels - Beginners who simply love to sing through those who need the space as a performer to continually learn, grow and polish their skills
Most genres - Having the flexibility and skillset to teach any genre a student wants is extremely engaging for me. I've had the opportunities to work with students on musical theater, classical, pop, rock and jazz.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
If the teacher can help other students grow in the genres or skills you’re interested, they likely can help you too, so if you have specific goals, ask them about the kind of growth you hope to achieve from your lessons and if they feel confident about helping you achieve them.
If you know very little about a teacher, which is pretty standard when browsing the internet, do as much research as you can on her/him starting with their teaching website. It can be helpful to listen to your teacher when she is performing though this is not the ultimate test of a good teacher. If you like what you are hearing and your teacher claims they can teach your styles of interest, there is a better chance your teacher can help you get what you want from your voice. I have some videos on my website so you can get a taste of me performing in a few different genres. Here is a link to some videos https://www.alinavoicestudio.com/gallery
You likely will not really know how well you connect with a teacher until you start working with them. If you feel good about how the teacher communicates with you and what they have to offer through your research and communication, give her/him a try. If you begin noticing improvements as the weeks go on and you like the environment your teacher provides, that is great! If not, you should definitely explore some more new options until you find the right fit.
Things to ask yourself when deciding if you are with the right teacher:
1. Is my singing noticeably improving? You have to put in the work as the student, but if you are putting forth a good effort and you’re not singing better after several months, it may be time to look for a new teacher. My students often make a noticeable improvement in their first lesson though don’t be discouraged if this is not the case for you. The voice is a muscle that needs to be exercised and built, but over time, if you are engaged in your lessons, you should feel like your voice has truly grown.
2. Do I really like my teacher – Do they create a space for me to feel comfortable and open to exploring my voice in our lessons?
3. Is my teacher supportive of what I want from my lessons and do we discuss my goals openly? You are the one paying for your lessons, and you should be getting out of them what you want. If you have specific goals, your teacher should be able to talk you through how to make your goals realistic and act on that plan.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
If you have a genuine questions or concerns, just ask the teacher. They should be excited to help guide you through your desicion making process!
If you’re interested in lessons with me or have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly through my website at
alinavoicestudio.com/contact