Get It Going - Music Edition
Italian Music in the 1990s: Pop, Rock and the Rise of Rap
led by Dr Daniele Pio Buenza
Have you already studied Italian but you haven’t had a chance—or the confidence—to speak it yet?
This relaxed course helps you finally use the Italian you already know, without pressure or theory-heavy lessons.
We explore the music of the 1990s — a decade in which Italian pop became increasingly diverse, with rock, rap, dance, and regional influences gaining greater visibility alongside established traditions. Through songs from different genres, we talk about relationships, identity, society, and everyday life. The lyrics become prompts for conversation, not topics to memorise.
How a typical lesson works
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We begin with your answer to a weekly question.
This question is sent in the follow-up email after each lesson. You can write a full answer, make notes, or improvise on the spot—your contributions often spark discussion. -
We do a short vocabulary test based on the Quizlet set from the previous week—useful words that help you speak more freely.
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We listen to one or two songs from the 1990s. We translate meaningful lines, pick out useful expressions, and use them to talk about relationships, emotions, society and life in simple, natural Italian.
After the lesson
The next day you receive an email with:
✔️ a clear recap
✔️ the new weekly question
✔️ homework and a Quizlet link
✔️ extra materials to explore
No pressure, no grammar lectures.
Just real Italian, meaningful music, and conversations that help you finally speak with confidence.
Key Information at Glance
Who Can Join
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Perfect for anyone who wants to unlock their spoken Italian and feel more confident.
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Ideal for students with an A2 to B1 level (you can understand most familiar topics and want to improve speaking).
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More advanced students are also very welcome and often find it rewarding—everyone gets to speak, and I offer individual feedback and corrections, even in a group setting.
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Unsure about your level? Contact the School for a quick assessment.
Where and When
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Location: Storey's Field Centre (Eddington Avenue,
Cambridge, CB3 1AA). Parking information here. -
Schedule: Mondays, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
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Dates: September 28; October 5, 12, 19; November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; December 7. No lesson during half-term.
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Duration: One module consists of 10 relaxed and fun lessons (20 hours).
Materials and Homework
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No additional purchases or books required; the course is fully conversational.
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Optional homework: Free Quizlet set (online vocabulary tool); the class link will be shared when ready.
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Listening to songs is highly recommended to improve vocabulary retention and reinforce key phrases.
Cost and Booking Details
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Costs: £330 (all materials + cultural events included). 10% off if you join by Sunday 27 September included (code: 10OFFGIG).
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Terms and Conditions: Read the Terms and Conditions for Courses before payment.
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Joining Late? You can join at any time and only pay for the remaining lessons (pro rata).
🎁 Looking for a gift?
You can purchase the full course as a present or contribute any amount toward it. Simply choose your amount and buy a personalised gift card online - click here to continue.
FAQs
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What level of Italian is this course suitable for?
This course is designed for adults who already know some Italian but find it difficult to speak with confidence. You do not need to be fluent: if you are unsure whether your level is suitable, please get in touch and we will be happy to advise you.
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Can I join after the course has started?
Yes — if there are still places available, you can join late and only pay for the remaining lessons. For some courses this is only available up to two weeks after the course has started.
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What will we study during the course?
Each lesson is built around classic Italian songs and engaging questions inspired by their language and themes. You will develop your listening skills, expand your vocabulary and, above all, practise expressing yourself more confidently in Italian.
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What is included in the course fee?
The fee includes all lessons and the learning materials created or selected for the course, including song-based activities, vocabulary work and resources to support your learning between sessions.
FAQs
01
Do I need any previous experience to join?
It depends on the course you choose. Our Beginners course (A1) is designed for complete newcomers, whether you've never studied Italian before or tried years ago and want to start fresh. For our other courses, we always say the level required, but if you are not sure we can help you find the right fit. Just get in touch and we'll guide you to the perfect course for your level.
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Can I join after the course has started?
Yes — if there are still places available, you can join late and only pay for the remaining lessons. For some courses this is only available up to two weeks after the course has started.
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What if I miss a lesson?
If you know you are going to miss a class, let us know as soon as possible and we will try to organise an online catch-up session during the same week as the lesson you missed (subject to availability). If you unexpectedly miss a lesson , we'll provide you with the materials covered and a summary of what you missed, so you can catch up at your own pace.
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When do courses start and how do I enrol?
Our Autumn Term courses begin at the end of September. Enrolment is open now, and places are limited to keep groups small and effective. Early bird discounts are available for those who register early.
Madeline Beaumont, Psychotherapist
“This Italian speaking course has made a huge difference to my confidence and vocabulary. Talking in Italian for two hours a week over ten weeks has helped me speak in full sentences with growing ease.
Being immersed in a group of learners of different levels, with everything spoken in Italian, created a fabulous learning environment. The music theme gives the course a fun and engaging focus — we listen to songs, translate lyrics, and learn vocabulary via Quizlet, followed by a test to reinforce it.
Daniele sends weekly emails summarising the lessons, with clips and links — all in Italian — and we each answer a question in Italian every week, which really helps with dialogue and vocabulary.
It's a well-designed, fun, and immersive course. Daniele only speaks in Italian (with the odd explanation), and it really works. I’ve already booked for the next term and highly recommend it!”
How our courses work
1. Choose a Course
Select the course that suits your level and schedule.
3. Course Confirmation
Around two weeks before the course begins, we confirm whether the course will run as planned and send final details to all participants.
If enough students have enrolled, the course will go ahead and you will receive instructions for settling the remaining balance.
If fewer students have enrolled, we may wait a little longer to allow additional registrations or offer an alternative format (for example online or shorter lessons).
In that case, you will be notified and free to decide whether to continue. Deposits are fully refundable.
2. Reserve Your Place
Click “Pay Deposit or Full Amount” (more than 2 weeks before the start of the course) or "Pay Now" (within 2 weeks from the start of the course). Before making any payment, please confirm that you have read and agreed to the Terms and Conditions.
4. Stay Updated
If a course becomes full, changes format, or is postponed, we will notify you and offer the available options.