Improving Lyric Italian Diction for Classical Singers

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the most frequent pronunciation errors made by classical singers in Italian lyric diction. Designed for both emerging and advanced singers, the course provides a structured and practical approach to mastering Italian pronunciation as used in opera, oratorio, and art song. The course’s principles and exercises are universally applicable to non-native Italian speakers striving for accuracy, elegance, and expressive nuance in performance.

Drawing on my research into common diction pitfalls, participants will engage with the ten most frequent errors identified through qualitative study, professional observation, and collaboration with Italian language experts. These include the mispronunciation of double and single consonants, aspirated “t” and “q” sounds, incorrect formation of l and ʎ, inconsistent use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), and confusion between open and closed vowels (e/ɛ and o/ɔ). The course will also unpack the finer linguistic principles of raddoppiamento sintattico, assimilation, and syllabic stress, helping singers understand how these affect meaning, rhythm, and legato phrasing in Italian text setting.

Through guided IPA training, listening exercises, and coached performance practice, students will learn to diagnose and correct diction errors typical of English and other language backgrounds. Each session integrates live vocal examples drawn from operatic and song repertoire—including works by Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Caldara, and Caccini—linking theory directly to performance.

By the end of the course, participants will:

• Demonstrate accurate pronunciation of Italian vowels and consonants in sung contexts.
• Apply IPA as a reliable tool for analysing and correcting diction.
• Understand the relationship between phonetics, musical phrasing, and textual meaning.

Ultimately, this course equips singers to approach Italian repertoire with linguistic confidence and artistic authenticity!

🏷️ Price £30 (UK VAT inclusive)
🎥 Recording automatically sent to all who book (even if you cannot attend live)
▶️ Rewatch as many times as you like
📜 Certificate of attendance available