Improving Lyric Italian Diction for Classical Singers
Thursday 18th December 2025, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (London Time)
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
Professor Conroy Cupido
Prof Conroy Cupido completed a BMus at Stellenbosch University, an MMus and Artist Certificate at Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Texas), and became the first South African to earn a Doctorate in Vocal Performance from the University of North Texas (2009). In 2024, he obtained an MA in Positive Psychology from North-West University with distinction.
Attend this course for as little as £22 as part of the Voice Professional Training CPD Award Scheme.
Learn MoreSorry, this is an archived short course...
We have plenty of upcoming short courses coming soon. See details of some of them below or look at the full list of short courses.
Tuesday 18th August 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 25th August 2026
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Tuesday 1st September 2026
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Tuesday 8th September 2026
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Tuesday 22nd September 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(London Time)
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Join Kevin Wilson for this six-part certificated course, offering an in‑depth, practical exploration of contemporary voice teaching for musical theatre. Across six focused classes, participants develop a systematic approach to vocal technique, diagnosis, and repertoire selection that reflects the stylistic, physical, and emotional demands of the genre. The curriculum integrates vocal science, embodied voice work, registration theory, and stylistic awareness across the five major sub‑genres of musical theatre.
Thursday 10th September 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
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The Dalcroze Method taught by Swiss music teacher Émile Jaques-Dalcroze (1865-1950) has long been valued as a tool for teaching music in group settings (ensembles, choirs, music classes, etc.) But what about its one-on-one use in the applied voice studio? Join Dr. Tish Oney for this interactive short course and learn about the history and principles of this important method of music education. Through the employ of Dalcroze movements and concepts, singers and teachers explore music in ways that can reduce tension and increase the fun of music making, while encouraging discovery of technical and theoretical skill-building practices.
Tuesday 15th September 2026
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
(London Time)
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Naomi Lewandoski
How can simple tools such as exercise balls, bubbles, stretchy bands, straws, ribbons and even toilet rolls transform the way singers learn? Naomi Lewandoski is a singing teacher, voice educator, performer and workshop presenter with a passion for helping singers explore the voice through movement, curiosity and evidence-informed practice. In this interactive course she explores how games, gadgets, movement and play can help build vocal skills by creating greater awareness of how the body coordinates for singing.