MetaVox. Metaphor in the teaching of vocal technique and expressive performance of “bel canto” at Italian conservatoires

The present research proposes to investigate the role and functions of metaphor in Italian vocal pedagogy, with two primary aims. The first is to observe and analyse the ways that metaphor is used as a strategy in teaching both technical and expressive aspects of bel canto at Italian conservatoires, and to synthesize the results in a way that can be helpful to learners (particularly the significant numbers of foreign students who make their way to Italy each year to study bel canto in its homeland). The second is to document and describe this peculiarly Italian art form on the basis of empirical data, and thus complement the treatises that have been produced over the years by renowned singers and pedagogues.