Learn Italian and Belcanto
in beautiful Umbria
Join us on a two-week program in Italy
from July 14 to July 28, 2024
Todi Vocal Arts offers a two-week intensive training program, tailored for opera singers and vocal coaches seeking to refine their vocal skills and deepen their understanding of the repertoire, all while immersing themselves in the Italian language.
Applications are open until April 30
Our Program
Improve your Italian
From Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 1 PM, you'll take part in an intensive Italian language course at the prestigious La Lingua La Vita language school. The courses prioritize active and practical communication, fostering a friendly, relaxed atmosphere where students enjoy a fun learning experience.
Develop your vocal skills
In the afternoons you will be working with our accomplished team of voice teachers and vocal coaches on audition repertoire and role-study. There will also be ensemble rehearsals for the scenes that you will be performing with your fellow students. Our faculty is committed to nurturing your talent and helping you reach new heights in your performance. Our unique, intensive voice program creates an immersive musical environment that brings together singers from all around the world.
Showcase your talent
Throughout the program, you will have the opportunity to express your skills in the evening concerts that will be held in the foyer of the local Teatro Comunale and other venues. This will give you the chance to shine as you perform the arias, songs, and ensembles you have been working on with our teachers.
AccomModation and Prices
Students can choose from the following three options:
Homestay and Tuition
Shared room with breakfast and dinner, staying with local families. Single rooms available on a limited basis. Perfect for immersing yourself in the Italian language, local culture, and customs.
Two weeks: 2,000 euros
One week: 1,200 euros
Private Apartment and Tuition
The apartments provided by the language school are located in or near the historic center and offer both modern comforts and elegant original features. Meals are not included.
Two weeks: 2,000 euros
One week: 1,200 euros
Tuition Only
This option covers only tuition fees for Italian and voice classes, and you will be responsible for arranging your own accommodation.
Two weeks: 1,500 euros
One week: 850 euros
Homestay: The host families are friendly and hospitable and were selected personally by the school management. The homestay is seen as an opportunity for the students to communicate in Italian not only in the classroom but also in their daily lives, as well as to learn customs and traditions and assimilate into the local culture.
Homestay and tuition for pianists/vocal coaches: Two weeks: 1000 euros
Arrival and departure: Your arrival is on Sunday, July 14. The first class will take place on Monday, July 15, the day after your arrival. Departure is on a Sunday, July 28.
One-week program: We understand that commitments vary, so we offer the flexibility of enrolling for just one week. You can either enroll on the first week, with arrival on Sunday, July 14, and departure on Sunday 21 or enroll on the second week, with arrival on July 21 and departure on Sunday, July 28. However, to truly maximize your learning experience, we recommend participating in the entire two-week program.
Application: Please ensure that your application form is filled out and submitted no later than March 31, 2024, together with a non-refundable deposit of 500 euros. The deposit can be paid by Paypal to the following account: [email protected], or by wire transfer to The Language Center srl:
IBAN: IT15N0200838702000000850122
BIC/SWIFT: UNCRITM1J36
Any application received after March 21 will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
Final Payment: The remaining balance is to be settled by May 31, 2024.2
Todi is a medieval hilltop town in central Italy. Known for its timeless allure and stunning views, it is surrounded by hills, olive groves and charming villages.
Meet our team
Akiko Nakajima
Voice teacher
Japanese soprano Akiko Nakajima's career soared after winning the Australian Singing Competition in 1991. Her international journey began with a debut for Opera Australia and at the Teatro di San Carlo di Napoli, followed by flourishing careers in both opera and concerts. Notable roles include Lucia di Lammermoor, Violetta and Pamina. Nakajima has performed under renowned conductors such as Herbert Blomstedt and Zubin Mehta, and sung at the Vienna Volksoper, the Hamburg State Opera, the NNTT and Wigmore Hall. As the general director of the Noura Opera Foundation in Japan and a professor at the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna, Nakajima continues to leave an indelible mark on the global opera scene.
Mardi Byers
Voice teacher
The American soprano Mardi Byers secured her first engagement at the Zurich Opera House at the age of 22 after graduating from Arizona State University. With a career spanning international opera and concert stages, she has graced venues like the Hamburg State Opera, Bregenz Festival, Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre, New York City Opera, and BBC Proms. Notably, she earned a Golden Mask nomination in 2011 for her portrayal of Marie in Dmitri Tcherniakov's acclaimed production of Wozzeck at the Bolshoi Theatre. Mardi Byers, now a professor at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz since 2022, has showcased her vocal prowess in diverse roles and major works, earning acclaim worldwide.
Ulla Raiskio
Voice teacher
Ulla Raiskio, a Sibelius Academy graduate, pursued advanced studies at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna and the International Opera Studio at Zürich Opera. Celebrated for her opera performances in the Finnish National Opera and theaters across Finland, Germany, and Switzerland, she has played a pivotal role as a singer in contemporary Finnish operas. As a founding member of The Lied Academy of Finland, she actively contributes to musical education in her country. Ulla's musical versatility is evident in her renditions of baroque music with period instruments, showcasing her profound interest in early music. Currently, she serves as a senior lecturer at the Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts, Helsinki.
Daniele Piattelli
Vocal coach
A native of Florence, Daniele Piattelli is a versatile professional, excelling as a pianist, vocal coach, and conductor. He holds degrees in piano performance from the Florence Conservatory, in composition from the Milan Conservatory, and in Vocal Accompanying from the Manhattan School of Music. He has worked as a vocal coach and conductor for numerous opera companies and universities, including the Arena di Verona, the Teatro Regio di Torino, the San Francisco Opera, the Teatro Municipal de Santiago, the Tokyo New National Theater, and the Royal Opera Academy in Copenhagen. As a recitalist, he has performed at the Teatro alla Scala, the Teatro Verdi di Trieste, and the Belvedere Museum in Vienna among others. Currently, he is Korrepetitor at the Kunstuniversität Graz.
Niels Muus
Vocal coach
Niels Muus, a Danish-American conductor based in Vienna, is recognised for his opera and symphonic expertise. With his vast operatic repertoire, he led significant productions that were broadcast and documented worldwide. Muus led renowned orchestras, including the MDR Symphony Orchestra, the Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini, the Chicago Philharmonic, the Slovak Philharmonic, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra. Muus held key roles in various institutions, such as conductor/casting director at the Vienna Volksoper and professor/director of the Opera Masters Program at the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna (MUK), and currently an active music director at the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing. He gives master classes with institutions such as Conservatorio Monteverdi, Netherlands Opera Studio, and the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra. His discography spans from labels such as Deutsche Grammophon Danacord to Gramola. He was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in 2015 and the Grammy Award in 2006 and 2016.
Stefania Belli
Language school director
After obtaining a degree from the school for interpreters in Florence and a degree in languages from the IULM University in Milan, Stefania founded the language center La Lingua La Vita in Todi in 1988. She has been the coordinator of the International Self-Esteem Project since 2002 and has created a new teaching method, Beyond Language, based on overcoming the emotional blocks that prevent expression in a foreign language and on strengthening the capabilities of the human being. She opened a branch of the language center in Long Beach, California and she travels frequently to the United States.
Dynamic Language Learning
La Lingua La Vita employs a teaching method that emphasizes constant interaction to boost Italian communication skills, vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions. Using a friendly approach to create a positive atmosphere, the focus is on authentic communication with individualized evaluation. The non-competitive, supportive environment encourages a comfortable atmosphere and plenty of participation in class. A great team of teachers from all over Italy joins together to enhance your learning experience.
ABOUT TODI
Todi, an ancient town at the heart of Umbria, Italy’s green heart, offers awe-inspiring views from its hilltop perch overlooking the River Tiber. Surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves, sunflower fields, and quaint hamlets, Todi’s charm lies in its timeless beauty.
Life in Todi unfolds along winding medieval streets and narrow alleys, seemingly untouched by the rush of modern mass tourism.
Todi’s architectural treasures include Bramante’s exquisite Temple of Santa Maria della Consolazione, the regal Palazzo del Popolo, the graceful Duomo, and the serene Temple of San Fortunato. Day trips to neighboring towns like Orvieto, Spoleto, Perugia, and Assisi are very easy and allow our students to explore the other gems in the region.
Where we are
frequently asked questions
How do I get to Todi?
- By bus from Fiumicino airport: from Fiumicino airport you can take the Sulga bus to Todi. Otherwise, you can take the shuttle train transfer to Roma Tiburtina and from there get to Todi with Flixbus. Check timetables on Sulga and Flixbus. There is also an international airport in Perugia, but there are no direct buses or trains to Todi, so you will have to rent a car.
- By train from Rome: Take ROMA-TERNI and a bus from TERNI to TODI. Look at the Busitalia and Trenitalia websites for details.
- By car from the south: Take the A1 highway towards Florence/Milan, exit at Orte, and head towards Perugia. Exit at Todi-Orvieto.
- By Car from the north: Take the A1 highway towards ROME, exit at Valdichiana, and continue towards Perugia-Terni. Exit at Todi-Orvieto.
- Transfer service for students: We offer a pick-up service from the Todi – Pian di Porto bus station and the Todi – Ponterio railway station and take you to where you will be staying. Please let us know your arrival time well in advance! We also provide transfer services from Rome Fiumicino Airport to Todi through a local driver.
Do I need to get a visa to visit Italy?
It depends. Check with your country’s authorities. If you do need it, it will be a tourist visa, not a student visa.
Can you assist me with the documentation?
We offer comprehensive assistance in completing the necessary documentation for your stay in Italy. Feel free to reach out to us for any support you require.
Do I need health insurance?
If you don’t have health insurance for your stay in Italy, we can help you obtain a special rate from an Italian insurance company.
Can I rent a car?
If you’re over 21 years old and have held a driver’s license for at least 3 years, we can assist you in renting a car through our partner company.
Sign Up
To secure your place, click on the Sign Up button and complete the application form. We will promptly review your submission and inform you of your acceptance into the program.