Teaching Sung Italian
An online blended learning programme for vocal, music and language coaches
Would you like to deepen your knowledge and skills in sung Italian diction? This intensive train-the-trainer programme will give you a toolkit to transform your work with singers.
Led by Dr. Matteo Dalle Fratte, Founder of Melofonetica and Author of The Melofonetica Method
Programme content and key dates for live online sessions: cohort 3, September–November 2025
All times listed are CET (Rome time). Recordings are made available afterwards to all course participants.
Welcome meeting and the role of the Italian language coach: Sunday 14 September 2025, 17:00–18:00
Module 1: Consonants
Self-paced study followed by live group discussion, case study and Q&A: Sunday 5 October 2025, 17:00–19:00
Module 2: Vowels
Self-paced study followed by live group discussion, case study and Q&A: Sunday 19 October 2025, 17:00–19:00
Module 3: Expression
Self-paced study followed by live group discussion, case study and Q&A: Sunday 9 November 2025, 17:00–19:00
Melophonetic transcription workshop: November 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 2025 date tbc, one hour
The programme is based on the Melofonetica Method, a proven approach to sung Italian that is thoroughly-researched and grounded in science. It will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to guide singers of all levels and language backgrounds to produce clear, expressive and idiomatic sung Italian.
Choose from two course formats:
Group study
- Enrol for our next cohort, with group sessions running from 14 September to November 2025
- Get 12-month access to our in-depth online video tutorials, quizzes and learning materials covering all aspects of the Melofonetica Method (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 join the live sessions (9 hours)
- Complete a short case study assessment and get one-to-one feedback
OR
Self-paced study
- Start now and get instant 12-month 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, which can be arranged at a mutually convenient time (4 hours)
- Complete a short case study assessment and get one-to-one feedback
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
"The Melofonetica Method has transformed how I teach Italian lyric diction. Taking the teacher training course ensured that I really understood the method. The opportunity to ask questions, have my knowledge assessed, and receive feedback on my own teaching was invaluable. I highly recommend the course to teachers of Italian lyric diction, as well as singing teachers and répétiteurs who coach Italian repertoire.
I love how well-structured the course is and how the method fits the language perfectly so there are not exceptions to learn. I feel that I now have a much greater understanding of Italian prosody, and can coach at a much higher level. " – Victoria, Associate Lecturer in Music (Voice), University of Melbourne
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 485 EUR.
Recommended reading
The Melofonetica Method: A complete guide to clear and expressive Italian diction for singers by Matteo Dalle Fratte (2023, Lyric Arts Press). Order directly from us, or from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other major booksellers.
"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. I’ve also been impressed by the wealth of information and the clarity of the explanations, as well as the related topics, such as how correct pronunciation of the consonants can positively impact vocal technique. Many thanks for these amazing resources!" – Rebecca, assistant director, singer and language coach
"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
You may also be interested in...
Courses
Meet and work with our team at one of our masterclasses, Veneto Opera Summer School in Italy or train-the-trainer courses.
The Melofonetica Method
A transformative approach to Italian diction in opera and classical music based on the phonetics of sung Italian.
Reviews
Views from singers, pianists, coaches, conductors and the press on the Melofonetica Method and Matteo's work.
