Teaching Sung Italian
Professional training for vocal, music and language coaches who want to teach the Melofonetica Method with confidence
Our Teaching Sung Italian programme gives you the complete Melofonetica Method curriculum, plus the tools, structure and guidance to bring it into your own teaching and transform your work with singers.
Led by Dr. Matteo Dalle Fratte, Founder of Melofonetica and Author of The Melofonetica Method
Who this programme is for
This is designed for:
- Current diction coaches, singing teachers and vocal coaches who want a clear, systematic way to teach sung Italian
- Répétiteurs, conductors and choral directors who support singers with language and diction
- Experienced singers who are moving into teaching and want a proven method
You don’t need to be a native Italian speaker, but you should:
- Already be teaching, or be preparing to teach
- Have good familiarity with Italian repertoire
- Be comfortable working with singers on technical and musical issues
If you'd like an informal chat to discuss your suitability for the programme, don't hesitate to contact us.
If you’re a singer mainly interested in applying the method to your own singing, the self-study courses (Levels 1 and 2) are a better fit.
Level 3 is specifically for those who want to teach the Melofonetica Method.
What you’ll be able to do by the end
By the end of the programme, you'll be able to:
- Teach the Melofonetica Method for sung Italian in a clear, step-by-step way
- Diagnose common diction and phrasing issues in your students’ Italian repertoire
- Use a structured sequence of exercises, examples and explanations with your students
- Design lessons, courses or workshops based on the method for your own studio or institution
If you choose the Course + Coaching option, you’ll also receive personal feedback on your understanding of the method and how you are applying this to your teaching.
What’s included
This train-the-trainer programme includes all the material from Levels 1 and 2 of the Melofonetica Method course, plus additional teacher-focused content.
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.
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
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.
