Teaching Sung Italian

A 30-hour online blended learning programme for vocal, music and language coaches

2025 dates coming soon – register your interest here

Would you like to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to teach sung Italian diction effectively? This new 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. It combines six live online sessions (total 9 hours) with self-paced study of the Melofonetica Method using our online video tutorials, quizzes and learning materials (c. 20 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
Enjoy collaborative peer-group discussions to share challenges and learning
Study flexibly around other commitments
Benefit from 1:1 support via email throughout the programme and access to full library of video tutorials and online quizzes to test your learning
Have the option to add on private online coaching with Matteo at a special rate

Programme content and key dates for live online sessions: cohort 2, 2024

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 15 September 2024, 16:00–17:00

Module 1: Consonants
Self-paced study followed by live group discussion, case study and Q&A: Sunday 6 October, 16:00–18:00

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

Module 3: Expression
Self-paced study followed by live group discussion, case study and Q&A: Sunday 10 November, 16:00–18:00

Melophonetic transcription workshop: Sunday 17 November, 17:00–18:00

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: Sunday 24 November, 16:00–17:00

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 complete the registration form and make payment by following the link below. Places are limited.

"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.