“Being surrounded by such kindness allowed me to find more freedom in my voice than I'd been able to access before.”

CLA Italy was an absolutely incredible experience full of growth, intense but really fun music-making, collaboration, and friendship-building. 

I arrived in Novafeltria with lots of nerves because not only did I want to make sure I was prepared musically, but I also wanted to sing at the caliber that the faculty would be expecting – It is always difficult for me to go into a new environment where I sing in front of people I don’t know because I am always worried I won’t be good enough. I can genuinely say, however, that much of those nerves went away after the first few days of rehearsals.

Right off the bat, the faculty made it a point to say that they would meet every singer where they were in their development and were excited to work with everyone regardless of their level. I've built up a lot of fear around singing over the years, feeling the pressure of technical perfection without being able to achieve it. Having the faculty give us this statement from the beginning of the program really put my mind at ease.

Throughout my three weeks at CLA Italy, I got to work with nine CLA coaches, conductors, and teachers - all of whom I can confidently say were some of the most encouraging and uplifting mentors I’ve ever had. The supportive environment created by the entire faculty made it easy to take in all the extraordinary knowledge they had to share. Being surrounded by such kindness allowed me to find more freedom in my voice than I'd been able to access before. This was, of course, thanks to the amazing guidance I got from each coach, but it was also thanks to their friendliness. They conducted every coaching session with attention to detail for the individual singer’s voice, and each of them had insightful perspectives on vocal technique, musicality, acting, stagecraft, and career advice. I learned so much! 

As a CLA singer, you get
at least one individual coaching every day
in addition to daily
group coachings and ensemble rehearsals in preparation for the four concerts given in the final week of the program. Each day also includes a one-hour Italian class. Throughout the program there are also masterclasses, career talks, dress rehearsals, etc… so the days are certainly packed (and I mean that in the best way)!

Additionally, Novafeltria is such a gorgeous place to be. It is a small community that feels extremely safe. Everything is within a walkable distance of about 10 or 15 minutes, and there are such beautiful spots to explore – not to mention the fabulous food! After a long day of rehearsals, it was great to go out for a nice Italian dinner with my peers and get to know one another on a deeper level.

The wonderful thing about being in a program like this is that being around the same group of people all day, every day for 3 weeks, allows everyone to grow quite close. I certainly made some of the most amazing friends through CLA. When it is all over though, everyone must go their separate ways which is definitely hard. But at the same time, it is also so special that you’ve gotten to share this wonderful experience together. It will always be something you have to remember each other by until you meet again! 

I can truly say that this was one of the most fulfilling 3 weeks of my life. Before this program, I never thought I had the ability to learn so much in such a short period of time. But it was possible thanks to the wonderful, supportive faculty that Glenn Morton, CLA’s amazing Artistic Director, has put together. 

The top-notch education in rehearsals, coachings, and Italian classes weren’t the only things CLA had to offer. We performed in some of the most beautiful concert venues I have ever sung in and took a few different group trips around and outside of the venues. We took a tour of the Basilica of San Vitale, visited the Rimini beaches, and even got to attend the renowned Rossini Opera Festival where we watched a spectacular production of one of Rossini’s lesser-known operas, Ermione. 

I can’t thank the CLA Italy staff and singers I got to meet enough for an unforgettable and irreplaceable experience. I will forever be grateful to have been a part of this program, and I would certainly recommend it with all my heart to anyone interested in learning more about the art of Italian bel canto singing.