Experience Summary
I completed my Ph.D. in Italian at the University of Leeds with a Dissertation on the Italian writer/performer Ascanio Celestini, one of the most important voices within the European context of Storytelling-Theatre. I received an MA in Operatic Stage Direction from the Accademia Nazionale D'Arte Drammatica "Silvio D'Amico" in Rome [National Academy of Dramatic Arts "Silvio D'Amico"], and a Laurea (MA equivalent) in letters (cum laude) from the University of Calabria. I worked as a teacher of Italian and Latin at high shool level, and as an instructor at the University of Calabria, teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in theatre and opera. In addition, I served as a supervisor and Director of Thesis for undergraduate and graduate students. I worked as a Professor of “History of Theatre” and “Stage Direction” at the Academy of Fine Arts in Lecce, the Academy of Fine Arts in Vibo Valentia, the State Conservatory of Music in Cosenza, and the State Conservatory of Music in Potenza. At the moment, I am teaching Italian language and culture at Florida Atlantic University where I am also working towards my second Ph.D. in Comparative Studies. Also, I directed several operas and dramas (e. g., Rigoletto, Cavalleria Rusticana, Il trovatore, L’elisir d’amore, Ernani, Il campanello, Madama Butterfly, Il barbiere di Siviglia, La serva padrona). Additionally, I have written plays and librettos for operas, among which “Il piccolo Ulisse”, with music by Salvatore Sangiovanni, Global Music Awrds winner, and M.M.I. Recognition Awards winner.
Teaching Style
As regards language teaching and learning, my ultimate goal is to help my students build in their brains an “implicit linguistic system” consisting of an unconscious system that lies outside of awareness: learners will be unaware of its properties even though they will use it every single second. Such a set of unconscious knowledge will allow students to interact in the target language in real time. Also, during the processes of building of the linguistic system, I attempt to stimulate the curiosity of my students for the most fascinating features of the Italian culture, like figurative arts and opera.
Also, I am an experienced instructor of lyric diction for opera singers. Some of my former students are now professional opera singers working at national and international level; others are full professors of music at university level. If you are an opera singer (professional or student) and are looking for an instructor able to help you refine or build your diction, do not hesitate to contact me. My long experience as a professional radio and theatrical actor made me extremely competent in the field of pronunciation. I will teach you the real neutral (standard) Italian.