Virtual Singing/Chanting Classes with Alessandra Belloni and John La Barbera

Class Description:

Each lesson will feature 2 songs from a specific southern Italian region: Campania, Calabria, Puglia, Sicily, and Lazio. We will describe the history, myths and legends that are part of this rich ancient folk tradition. You will receive lyric sheets with translations, and sheet music if available. Class sessions will be 8 lessons and will be held on Zoom twice a month, for 90-120 minutes. 

You must register in advance and pay through the links below. Group space is limited! 

We will study: 

  • Ancient healing chants using the Lydian Scale or Neapolitan Scale, and sacred healing chants in honor of the Black Madonna like “Jesce Sole” & chants and prayers to the Madonna of Montevergine (Avellino). 
  • Renaissance love songs from Naples known as “Villanelle” in 3-part harmony, along with some ballads. 
  • Various tarantellas from different regions 
  • Women work chants 

Classes will focus on learning repertoire and how to project the voice, especially in the rich southern Italian folk style, with open vowel sounds and a short vibrato.

Classes will follow parts of their books:  
Healing Journeys with the Black Madonna  
Rhythm is the Cure  
by Alessandra Belloni  

Traditional Southern Italian Mandolin & Fiddle Tunes  
Italian Folk Music for Mandolin  
by John LaBarbera

About the instructors:

Taught by mezzo-soprano Alessandra Belloni and classical guitarist/mandolinist John La Barbera 

Alessandra Belloni & John La Barbera are directors and co-founders of I GIULLARI DI PIAZZA, Italian Music & Theater Company and are artists in residence at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.

Class Schedule:

Every other Fridays 6:30pm ET- Singing (level determined by the group)

Class Registration

In order to register and receive the zoom link for classes: Email alessandrabelloni@gmail.com indicating the class day and level you would like to join (ie: "Friday Singing Class"). Then please submit payment for your class through the methods listed below. You will then receive a zoom link to join class, as well as a private youtube link of the class recording.

Payment Methods:

Group classes - $60 a class 
Payment must be received prior to the start of class.
You can pay using VENMO, ZELLE (abelloni@aol.com) or this link: https://www.everbutton.com/pay/6349