Italian for English speakers | Practical, natural conversation

From 102 C$ /h

Hi! I’m Giovanni, a native Italian speaker from Puglia and a professional musician. Traveling has taught me to learn about different cultures and truly listen to people—and I bring that same approach to my lessons.

My lessons are designed for English speakers who want to learn Italian in a practical and natural way. We’ll start with real-life conversations on topics that interest you: from daily life to work, from travel to personal interests. I’ll help you speak naturally by suggesting realistic alternatives in spoken Italian, with clear explanations and no pressure.
I’ll tailor the pace to your needs, creating a relaxed and non-judgmental environment. Whether you want to:
- Improve your fluency and pronunciation
- Feel confident when speaking
- Stay in constant contact with the language
you’ll find a flexible, practical, and personalized learning path. Lessons can be regular or occasional, always tailored to your goals.

Together, we’ll turn learning Italian into an authentic, fun, and practical experience, with results starting from the very first lessons.

Location

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At student's location :

Around Zurich, Switzerland

Around Winterthur, Switzerland

Online from Switzerland

About Me

Hi, I'm Giovanni! I'm an Italian saxophonist from Puglia, and I've just completed a Master of Music Performance (Konzert) at the Zürcher Hochschule der Künste in Zürich, studying under Prof. Lars Mlekusch. I also hold a conducting minor, which has shaped the way I listen, teach, and approach music as a whole.

The saxophone entered my life at twelve, through a family instrument, and hasn't left since. My artistic focus is contemporary and experimental music, built through years of performances across Europe and close collaboration with living composers — but I enjoy working across a wide range of styles and repertoire.

Teaching is something I genuinely care about. I have several years of experience with students of all levels, from complete beginners to conservatory candidates. My lessons are based on the classical method, solfège, and music theory, with repertoire chosen together depending on your goals and taste.

Education

Master Music Performance - Saxophon
2024 - 2026 | Zurich University of the Arts
The Master of Music Performance (Konzert) at the Zürcher Hochschule der Künste offers a comprehensive program focusing on advanced music theory and performance practice, with particular emphasis on contemporary and experimental repertoire. Specializing in saxophone under Prof. Lars Mlekusch, the curriculum integrates solo performance at the highest level with chamber music, new music ensemble work, and interdisciplinary artistic research. A conducting minor under Iwan Wassilevski further broadens the artistic profile, developing skills in score reading, rehearsal technique, and ensemble leadership. The program combines rigorous individual instruction with an active concert life in one of Europe's leading music institutions, preparing graduates for careers as soloists, chamber musicians, and versatile performers in the contemporary music landscape.

Master's degree, Saxofon
2021 - 2023 | Conservatorio di Milano

Experience / Qualifications

Sax Teacher
2023 - 2024 | Liceo Tenca - Milano

• Delivered individual and group saxophone lessons to secondary school students
• Translated complex technical and music theory content into clear, structured instructional material
• Assessed student progress and adapted teaching content to individual needs

Age

Children (7-12 years old)

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

30 minutes

45 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Italian

French

Skills

Italian

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -04:00)

New York

Online via webcam

At student's home

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Privater Saxofonunterricht - Private Saxophone lessons

193 C$ /h

Lerne Saxofon im Privatunterricht. Dein*e Saxofonlehrer*in Giovanni Ottomano unterrichtet Erwachsene und Kinder. Giovanni spricht Englisch, Italienisch und Französisch und freut sich über deine Kontaktaufnahme!
Learn Saxophone with private lessons. Saxophone teacher Giovanni Ottomano teaches adults and kids. Giovanni speaks English, Italian and French and is looking forward to your contact request!

Laura

4.86

(7)

Italy has a lot of charm because of its diverse culture: the language, the Renaissance, the opera music, but also Laura Pausini and the Bolognese sauce :-)

Italian, with a degree in "Languages and Literatures" (I am fluent in French, English and German), I have extensive professional experience as a language teacher.
My strengths:
- Since I am multilingual, I know all the good tips to really master a language (if I can do it, you can too!)
- I'm serious, but I also have a sense of humor. During my classes, we never get bored.
- I'm open to different solutions: I can also teach you another language at the same time (verbs in Italian and English at the same time? Compare their usage? No problem!) or even cook with you: Bolognese sauce? Why not?
Bye for now !

Tania

4.86

(7)

I was born and raised in Italy but I lived in the UK for almost 7 years. I started teaching Italian and English in 2015. I worked for private language schools and NATO Defense College in Rome. I teach children and adults, group and private lessons. My lessons are tailored to fit the level and the needs of my students. I always make sure that my students are in a serene environment and enjoy their lessons. I have the DILS-PG and the CELTA certifications to teach both Italian and English as a second language. Also, I have experience in preparing students for international exams such as KET, PET, FIRST.

Irene

4.86

(7)

Italian for adults every levels. Ten years experience, PhD in Sociology and linguistic. Lessons focused in interactive conversation, listening and grammar. I can speak english and german. We can meet us in public places as Pestalozzi Bibliotek or bars. I adjust my course on the need of the students. I have been teaching for five here in Zurich both privately and with schools.
I teach 1 to 1 or for small groups.

Emma

4.86

(7)

I was born in Florence (Italy) 39 years ago and I have been teaching my own mother tongue pure Italian language ever. I started teaching Italian 12 years ago. I worked for private language schools in Madrid when I was living there. I teach children and adults, group and private lessons. My lessons are tailored to fit the level and the needs of my students. I always make sure that my students are in a positive environment and feeling properly. My, is the funny and easy way to learn and speak Italian.

Alessandro

4.86

(7)

Meetings and lessons of Italian language and culture.
Learning italian and about Italy is
always an immersion in a millennia-old history, in the art and traditions of the Italian culture, which fascinates us again and again. Language, conversation, preparation for various language certificates...

"Thanks to the mutual dependence of thought and speech, it seems very clear that languages do not really serve to expose the truth already known, but rather to discover the truth that was previously unknown. Their diversity is not a diversity of sounds and signs, but of worldviews." W. Von Humboldt (1820)

Raisa

4.86

(7)

Hello, my name is Raisa and I'm 25 years old.
My mother tongue is Italian, since i grew up there but I also have a C1 IELTS certification in English and it's now my spoken language.
I offer tutoring for kids or adults that want to improve with these languages. If you have any question, please don't mind asking me via message:)

Antonio

4.86

(7)

Hello everyone! I hold a doctorate in Italian, have been teaching Italian for 5 years and hold a CELTA teaching qualification. I've been preparing students for the A-Levels and GCSE (language + literature). I can prepare you for specific examinations, language lessons in general or teach you Italian for business. The lessons are for everyone, whatever their age or level (children to adults). I will make sure that you discover the Italian culture through the lessons, learn the correct pronunciation and of course learn some grammar. I am open to your needs and can speak a few languages to make sure you understand fully the lessons (of course, we’ll try to use mostly Italian in all our lessons depending on your level).

I can’t wait to meet my new students! 😊

Marta

4.86

(7)

I am an italian Native speaker, who is available to teach italian at any level both to students or adults.
I have experience as a teacher with kids as well as with adults. I grew up in a family of teachers of the language in the North Est of Italy.

Agnese

4.86

(7)

Hi, my name is Agnese and I am Italian. I have more than 10 years of studying the humanities, from high school to master's degree! Over these years, I have developed a personal method of studying these subjects that has proven to be successful. I love studying and this is why I will not end my studies with the master's degree: I want to undertake a doctorate!

I have always combined my studies with teaching support, both at university and privately.

Rosa

4.86

(7)

Do you love Italian people, history and food and you would like to speak the language?
Hi everybody! My name is Rosa, and I am an Italian teacher and an engineer. I have a master'degree in teaching Italian as a foreign language. I have several years of teaching experience. I worked also as a schoolteacher!
I lived in Argentina for several years, so I speak Spanish very well (I have a C2 language level).
I love teaching and sharing culture. My classes are fitted for all the levels and organized depending on the students. Online lessons allow you to be more flexible with your time! I give homework exercises, and my lessons are intermixed with grammar, conversation, customs and traditions.
Hope to see you soon!

Elia

4.86

(7)

Hi! I am a seventeen year old Italian student living in Zurich and I offer personal Italian lessons. I lived in Italy for 16 years where I studied until high school. The lessons will be held in Italian and English (I've been studying German for a short time but I can try to speak it); I can teach via video lesson, teach at your home or at my home, you just have to decide which is more convenient for you. I am waiting for you!

Marco

4.86

(7)

Is this your first approach with the Italian language? Let me help you!
I can assist you in learning italian from scratch up to a mother tongue level (A1-A2-B1-B2-C1-C2).
I teach in English but I can also speak Deutsch and Français (in German and French I am currently B1).

Barbara

4.86

(7)

1. For Absolute Beginners (Category: Italian, Basic Grammar, Basic Conversation)
Class Title: Italian from Zero: Your First Step!
Description:
Have you always dreamed of speaking Italian? Let's start from zero together! This class is designed for those with no prior knowledge of the language.
We will learn the essential basics in a clear and enjoyable way: how to introduce yourself, order at a café, ask for directions, and use the most important verbs in the present tense.
We will use images, real-life situations, and simple conversations. Don't be afraid to make mistakes—this is the perfect place to do it! My goal is to give you the confidence to express yourself from the very beginning.

2. For Conversation and Fluency (Category: Conversation, Vocabulary, Italian)
Class Title: Let's Talk! Everyday Conversation Lessons
Description:
Do you already know some Italian but are afraid to speak? This class is for you! The goal is to improve your fluency, enrich your vocabulary, and finally overcome the fear of conversing.
We will choose topics that you are passionate about: current affairs, travel, culture, Italian cuisine, or TV series. I will gently correct you and teach you natural idioms to help you sound like a true native speaker.
Grab a cup of coffee (or tea!) and let's practice together in a relaxed atmosphere.

3. For Grammar and Precision (Category: Grammar, Academic Italian, Writing)
Class Title: The Secrets of Italian Grammar: Clear and Stress-Free
Description:
Do the subjunctive mood, reflexive verbs, and prepositions confuse you? This class will transform grammar from an obstacle into a strength.
We will tackle one rule at a time with clear explanations, practical examples, and targeted exercises. Each lesson focuses on a single topic (e.g., "The Subjunctive Today" or "Why do we say 'a me mi'?") for solid and deep learning.
Perfect for students of all levels who want to write and speak with precision and confidence.

Gaja

4.86

(7)

My classes offer gentle and personalized support for children with languages, homework, and schoolwork. Lessons are adapted to each child’s age, level, and learning style, helping them build confidence, independence, and a positive relationship with learning.

With a multilingual approach, children are supported in language development as well as in understanding school subjects and completing homework in a calm and encouraging environment. Special attention is given to each child’s individual needs, including support for children on the autism spectrum.

The goal is not only academic progress, but also helping children feel safe, understood, and motivated to learn at their own pace.

Jack

4.86

(7)

Personalised Italian lessons for complete beginners who want to build a strong foundation and start communicating with confidence.

Lessons focus on:

Essential vocabulary and everyday expressions
Basic grammar and sentence structure
Pronunciation and listening
Speaking and real-life communication
Italian for travel, work, university, or everyday life
Interactive activities and technology-based learning
Practical tasks that encourage active participation and confidence

Speaking, interaction, and technology are key elements of the lessons. You will actively use Italian throughout the class through interactive exercises, digital resources, and practical communication activities rather than simply studying rules and memorising vocabulary.

Lessons are structured, interactive, and adapted to your pace, needs, and learning goals. No previous knowledge of Italian is required.