The IPA Project

IPA to Listen and Read

This project aims to help singers familiarize themselves with the characteristics and nuances of Italian lyric diction. In each video, the IPA transcription is synchronized with the voice of a native Italian singer, allowing the listener to focus primarily on the pronunciation.

Free for Everyone!

Dozens of videos are available on my YouTube channel for everybody to enjoy. The list is constantly growing, and several playlists are available.

The Specifics...

All the IPA transcriptions include assimilation of “n” and phrasal doubling (rafforzamento sintattico), which is the lengthening of many word-initial consonants when preceded by specific words.

The symbol [‿] is used to connect the final vowel of a word with the initial vowel of the following word when the two sounds should be sung as a diphthong, with no interruption or glottal stop. When the second vowel is the same, I decided to transcribe the two words as one unique word, again to help singers not to add any glottal stops. The singer will see the word with two accent marks, deriving from the two separated words.

The diacritical mark [ː] is here used only to elongate a vowel in the case of the diphthong. In order to keep the IPA transcription as functional and easy to follow as possible, I decided not to add [ː] after stressed open syllables (those that end in a vowel.) I trust the singers will not anticipate the single consonant, keep the preceding vowel as long as possible.

Double consonants are here indicated with double letters.

A Growing Number of Playlists!

NEED MORE?

Bring it to the next level with this new format.
Check-out the IPA-VIDEO SHOP !

FAQs Italian Diction

Italian is easy! Do I really need a diction coach?

I agree, Italian is an easy language to approach. We can basically read it without going crazy with its spelling (did you know that in Italy we don’t have Spelling Bee?) There are only seven vowels and its articulatory setting is conducive to singing. However, Italian is a difficult language to master. There are many exceptions to the rules, but most of all there are nuances than even the IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) cannot express. Italian is praised for the pure quality of its vowels, but how we articulate its consonants gives us the texture of the language and its legato. Each language has its own characteristics. It is important to know that when we approach a foreign language, we usually apply the sounds and patterns that are familiar to us – those coming from our own native language. Even hearing those differences might be a challenge. When singing Italian repertoire, there is an intrinsic connection to the words that requires a more detailed training. Italian legato and the richness in nuances can be achieved only through an accurate study of the language.

Do you work with choirs singing Italian repertoire?

Yes, I love working with groups! Little adjustments in the pronunciation can result in an ease vocal production, improving the legato and the clarity of the words. If you are a conductor preparing a concert with Italian repertoire, contact me here.

Where are you from? Which Italian accent do you teach?

I am from Padua, North-East of Italy, but I studied the standard Italian diction (dizione italiana). Although in Italy there are several dialects and accents, we do have a codified Italian. In Italy, singers, actors, and even good news anchors study how to speak and articulate with the correct accent and emphasis. When learning Italian repertoire, it is important to work with native Italians that have studied Italian diction too. To know more about Italian accents and Italian diction, read my article for CS Music

Will we do vocal technique during our Italian coaching session?

No, we will not address your vocal technique. As a voice teacher myself, I highly value and respect the relation between voice teachers and their students. My job as Italian diction coach is to teach you how to articulate the sounds in order to benefit from the characteristics of the language. In my sessions, I do speak about the articulators (especially tongue, teeth, and lips), but only in terms of speech patterns. Every vowel and consonant sound effects what comes after (coarticulation) and the movements required to create those speech patterns are different in each language.

FAQs Italian Diction

Italian is easy! Do I really need a diction coach?

I agree, Italian is an easy language to approach. We can basically read it without going crazy with its spelling (did you know that in Italy we don’t have a Spelling Bee?) There are only seven vowels and its articulatory setting is conducive to singing. However, Italian is a difficult language to master. There are many exceptions to the rules, but most of all there are nuances that even the IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) cannot express. Italian is praised for the pure quality of its vowels, but how we articulate its consonants gives us the texture of the language and its legato. Each language has its own characteristics. It is important to know that when we approach a foreign language, we usually apply the sounds and patterns that are familiar to us – those coming from our own native language. Even hearing those differences might be a challenge. When singing Italian repertoire, there is an intrinsic connection to the words that require more detailed training. Italian legato and the richness in nuances can be achieved only through an accurate study of the language.

Do you work with choirs singing Italian repertoire?

Yes, I love working with groups! Little adjustments in the pronunciation can result in an ease of vocal production, improving the legato and the clarity of the words. If you are a conductor preparing a concert with Italian repertoire, contact me here.

Where are you from? Which Italian accent do you teach?

I am from Padua, North-East of Italy, but I studied the standard Italian diction (dizione italiana). Although in Italy there are several dialects and accents, we do have a codified Italian. In Italy, singers, actors, and even good news anchors study how to speak and articulate with the correct accent and emphasis. When learning Italian repertoire, it is important to work with native Italians that have studied Italian diction too. To know more about Italian accents and Italian diction, read my article for CS Music

Will we do vocal technique during our Italian coaching session?

No, we will not address your vocal technique. As a voice teacher myself, I highly value and respect the relationship between voice teachers and their students. My job as an Italian diction coach is to teach you how to articulate the sounds in order to benefit from the characteristics of the language. In my sessions, I do speak about the articulators (especially tongue, teeth, and lips), but only in terms of speech patterns. Every vowel and consonant sound affects what comes after (coarticulation) and the movements required to create those speech patterns are different in each language.

FAQs Voice Lessons

How does an online lesson work?

If you are not familiar with online lessons, this is the easiest way to stay connected despite the distance. If possible, just make sure to have a reliable internet connection, which is key to the quality of online lessons. Once your lesson is scheduled, you will receive a link to our Zoom meeting.

Are you accepting new students?

Yes, I am currently accepting new students. You can schedule your free 20-minutes consultation to see how we can work together. Drop-in lessons are always available on a first-come/first-served basis. Click here to book your one-time session.

Do you teach other styles rather than classical music?

Yes, absolutely! Together with being trained in Italy following the principle of Italian Bel Canto, I also studied other styles, attending conferences and training programs. Over the years I have collaborated with singers of any style, as well as with actors and entertainers. Recently, I completed Levels I, II, III of Somatic VoiceworkTM The LoVetri Method, for Contemporary Commercial Music. I keep exploring different approaches to better understand how our body interacts with our voice. I believe that the principles of a functional and healthy vocal technique can be applied to any style. Aiming for a holistic approach, I have taken classes of Alexander Technique, and I am an active Yoga practitioner (Vinyasa yoga).

What happens during a voice lesson?

At the beginning of our lesson, we will generally start with a quick vocal warm-up. I always encourage students to arrive with a body ready to move freely. We will then start to work on vocal exercises, to build up your technique. In this section, we will prepare your voice for the repertoire and style you want to sing. In the second half of your lesson, we will sing the music you have prepared, working specifically on the style, words, stage presence/acting, and all the aspects of performance. Lessons are tailored to students’ needs and goals. Each lesson depends on how your voice sounds at that moment. While we always work for a healthy vocal production, the results might change based on the condition of your voice that day, or the specific requirements of the repertoire you want to sing. This is the beauty of this journey: we explore all the possibilities of your instrument and how they fit in your repertoire.

What is your policy for cancellations?

I ask my students to cancel their lesson no later than 24-hours in advance to receive a make-up lesson. No-shows will not receive a make-up lesson. There are no refunds for missed or unused lessons. I try to accommodate illness or emergencies on a case-by-case basis, and I will discuss these details during our first lesson. If you are late for your lesson, please know that we will still terminate at your scheduled time.

How can I pay for our lessons?

All tuition fees are paid in advance at the time of scheduling your session. All major credit cards are accepted.

Do you offer drop-in lessons?

I do offer the possibility to schedule your lesson on a first-come/first-served basis. If you need to brush up your singing, to coach a song, or simply you don’t have time to commit to a package, go ahead and book your session now.

How does an online lesson work?
If you are not familiar with online lessons, this is the easiest way to stay connected despite the distance. Here you can find a guide to set up your computer for a successful experience. If possible, make sure to have a good internet connection, which is key to the quality of online lessons.

Are you accepting new students?
Yes, I am currently accepting new students. You can schedule your free 20 minutes consultation to see how we can work together. Drop-in lessons are always available on a first come/first served basis. Click here to book your one-time session.

Do you teach other styles rather than classical music?
Yes, absolutely ! Together with being trained in Italy following the principle of Italian Bel canto, I also studied other styles, attending conferences and training programs. Over the years I have collaborated with singers of any style, as well as with actors and entertainers. Recently, I completed Levels I, II, III of Somatic VoiceworkTM The LoVetri Method, for Contemporary Commercial Music. I keep exploring different approaches to better understand how our body interacts with our voice. I believe that the principals of a functional and healthy vocal technique can be applied to any stile. Aiming for an holistic approach, I have taken classes of Alexander Technique, and I am an active Yoga practitioner (Vinyasa yoga.)

What happens during a voice lesson?
At the beginning of our lesson, we will generally start with a quick vocal warm-up. I always encourage students to arrive with a body ready to move freely. We will then start to work on vocal exercises, to build up your technique. In this section, we will prepare your voice for the repertoire and style you want to sing. In the second half of your lesson, we will sing the music you have prepared, working specifically on the style, words, stage presence/acting, and all the aspects of a performance. Lessons are tailored on students’ needs and goals. Each lesson depends on how your voice sounds in that moment. While we always work for a healthy vocal production, the results might change based on the condition of your voice that day, or the specific requirements of the repertoire you want to sing. This is the beauty of this journey: we explore all the possibilities of your instrument and how they fit in your repertoire.

What is your policy for cancellations?
I ask my students to cancel their lesson no later than 24-hours in advance to receive a make-up lesson. No-shows will not receive a make-up lesson. There are no refunds for missed or unused lessons. I try to accommodate illness or emergencies on a case-by case basis, and I will discuss these details during our first lesson. If you are late to your lesson, please know that we will still terminate at your scheduled time.

How can I pay for our lessons?
All tuition fees are paid in advance at the time of scheduling your session. You can use….

Do you offer drop-in lessons?
I do offer the possibility to schedule your lesson at a first come/first served basis. If you need to brush up your your singing, to coach a song, or simply you don’t have time to commit for a package, go ahead and book your session now.