Martina

My tuition is based upon one lesson per week and I have just had my second lesson.

I am looking to learn Italian thoroughly - not merely what is called "tourist Italian.

My first impression of Martina was that she looked younger than I thought she would be. I wanted a mature, experienced language teacher.

However, I needn't have worried because Martina clearly has plenty of both qualities and, in just two lessons, she has made herself invaluable to me.

I am not a total beginner of Italian and I was struggling badly in class. I realise that everybody has his own learning style and, for a teacher, it must be difficult to try and cover as many styles as possible so the benefit of having a private tutor is enormous - especially if that tutor is someone like Martina.

I told Martina exactly what I required and, so far, she is following it to the letter and, in only two lessons, I understand more than I did previously.

As for Martina's personal qualities, she makes a good impression on first contact … she has a friendly but professional manner. She is empathetic but firm; she listens and is willing and able to explain in detail; she has an excellent teaching method with a good sense of humour (appropriately placed). For both lessons, she has been ready and waiting for me - and off we go!

For anyone wishing to learn, or improve their, Italian, I cannot recommend Martina highly enough and I'm so glad I found her.

(I am a retired teacher which makes me ultra-fussy about teaching skills where my own learning is concerned. Probably daunting for a young tutor but I don't think that this fazes Martina!).