Teaching Sung Italian

An online blended learning programme for vocal, music and language coaches

Would you like to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to teach sung Italian diction effectively? This intensive train-the-trainer programme will rapidly deepen your knowledge of sung Italian and enhance your work with singers.

Led by Dr. Matteo Dalle Fratte, Founder of Melofonetica and Author of The Melofonetica Method

The programme is based on the Melofonetica Method and is designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to train singers of all levels and language backgrounds in sung Italian.

Flexible format:

Self-paced study

Enrol any time for instant access to our in-depth online video tutorials, quizzes and learning materials covering all aspects of the Melofonetica Method (c. 20 hours)
Benefit from four one-to-one online coaching sessions with Matteo Dalle Fratte to consolidate your learning (4 hours)

OR

Group study

Join our next cohort, September–November 2025
Study all aspects of the Melofonetica Method using our in-depth online video tutorials, quizzes and learning materials (c. 20 hours)
Join six live online group sessions to enjoy collaborative peer-group discussions, work on case studies and hear from guest speakers on how melophonetics supports conductor, music coach and singing teacher; recordings will be available if you can't make the live sessions (total 9 hours)

Participants will:

Gain a thorough knowledge of all aspects of sung Italian diction and the application of melophonetics in Italian opera and classical music
Understand how to help singers produce an idiomatic Italian sound and enhance their clarity, music interpretation and expressivity in Italian
Learn how language coaching supports the teaching of music and vocal technique
Observe the method in practice through filmed coaching
Explore the role of the language coach and their collaboration with music staff on productions
Develop the skills and confidence to assess sung Italian performance
Have plenty of opportunity to ask questions
Study flexibly around other commitments
Benefit from one-to-one support via email throughout the programme and access to full library of video tutorials and online quizzes to test your learning

"I loved being immersed in sung Italian diction. I benefited from Matteo's experience and vast knowledge of the subject and his contagious commitment and enthusiasm." – Rebecca, director and language coach, 2024 participant

Programme content and key dates for live online sessions: cohort 3, September–November 2025

All times listed are GMT (UK time). Live sessions are recorded and recordings are made available afterwards to all participants.

Welcome meeting and the role of the Italian language coach: Sunday 14 September 2025, 16:00–17:00

Module 1: Consonants
Self-paced study followed by live group discussion, case study and Q&A: Sunday 5 October 2025, 16:00–18:00

Module 2: Vowels
Self-paced study followed by live group discussion, case study and Q&A: Sunday 19 October 2025, 16:00–18:00

Module 3: Expression
Self-paced study followed by live group discussion, case study and Q&A: Sunday 9 November 2025, 16:00–18:00

Melophonetic transcription workshop: November/December 2025 date tbc, one hour

Short case study assessment
This will involve watching a video of a singer performing an aria or song in Italian and – drawing on your learning during the course – writing a short report of the main areas that you would ask the singer to modify. You'll then receive one-to-one feedback on this and any areas for development.

How melophonetics supports others in the music and creative team (guest roundtable discussion) and course conclusion:November/December 2025 date tbc, one hour

Who is the programme for?

This programme is aimed at vocal, music and language coaches who have been teaching singers for a minimum of six months, and singers who hold a conservatoire or university music degree with a strong performance element, or who have equivalent experience. If you'd like an informal chat to discuss your suitability for the programme, don't hesitate to contact us to arrange this.

Fee

The programme fee is £420.

How to register

Please email us here to register, letting us know a little about your background and experience and which course format you would prefer (self-paced study, or group study beginning in September 2025).

"As a trained singer, Matteo absolutely understands what is helpful vocally so not only are students able to deliver much clearer language but they are also able to sing the music with greater ease. I have learnt so much from him and it has really influenced the way I work as a vocal coach."
– Liz Marcus, pianist and vocal coach

"I feel much better informed about how to teach songs and arias in Italian. My students will really benefit!"
– Fiona, singing teacher

"Putting the Melofonetica Method into practice for my students and me brings the text to life and encourages vibrant tone quality as well as incisive diction. The whole performance gains conviction as a result."
– Jennifer Heslop, singing teacher

“The Melofonetica Method has revolutionised the way I approach Italian text. It is clear, concise and consistent – and it works wonders.”
– Philip White, Head of Opera, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

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Courses

Meet and work with our team at one of our masterclasses, Veneto Opera Summer School in Italy or train-the-trainer courses.

FIND OUT MORE

The Melofonetica Method

A transformative approach to Italian diction in opera and classical music based on the phonetics of sung Italian.