Corsi

Isn’t it funny how the stereotypical image of a professor is kind of universal? Corduroy blazer, messy unkempt hair, glasses and a bright orange tie…that’s my professor. Well, at least he’s ONE of my professors. So far only one of my classes has begun and that’s “Storia della musica moderna e contemporanea”. Translation : History of modern and contemporary music. I understand about 60% of every lecture and that’s not just because my Italian leaves something to be desired. This isn’t a regular history of music class. Somehow, this class was turned into a look behind the PHILOSOPHY of the history of music. If this concept doesn’t make sense to you, don’t worry because I don’t understand it either. I’m a musician, and I know a lot more about music that your average ragazza (trust me, it’s in my blood) but for some reason, this class is making my head loopy. Luckily, after introducing myself to the prof on the first day, I get to take my final exam in English. He said that he doesn’t care what language I write in, as long as I understand the concepts. Buona fortuna with that one, Geni.

Aside from the topic, the classroom atmosphere is pretty familiar. Students chatting with their friends, sending text messages and waiting for class to begin. A few things are a little different than in the States, however. Instead of gargantuan starbucks mugs in everyone’s hand, students have tiny, baby sized plastic cups from the espresso machine that sits in every hallway on every floor. No one uses laptops in class either. It’s old school pen and paper in Verona. Also, the class doesn’t start on time. Not because the students are late but because the professor walks in five to ten minutes past the scheduled “official” time. He then takes the next ten minutes to set up his equipment, ruffle his papers, straighten his tie and clear his throat. I don’t think I’ve ever heard one person say the word “Allora” so many times within the span of an hour and forty minutes.

Words/Phrases of the day: “ragazza” meaning “girl/lady/young woman”, “buona fortuna” meaning “good luck”, “allora” meaning “then/next/okay/moving on” (it’s a bit of a filler word” and “Mandami un SMS” meaning “Send me a text!”

Pace, Amore e Espresso Machines,

Geni