My wife and I took an Italian class at Scottsdale Community College several years ago and always kept in contact with Davide. He was a great teacher at SCC and my wife has now hired him as an Italian tutor. He does an amazing job and her Italian is improving at an unbelievably fast rate. She watches Italian movies on Netflix and is teaching Italian to our young son. Many thanks to Davide for his inspiration and talent.

I have just finished my first set of lessons with Davide and would like to recommend him to everyone interested in learning Italian.  I am a retired German teacher and department chair with forty years of experience.  I have had the privilege of working with and observing many great foreign language teachers during my career, and Davide ranks among the best.  His knowledge of the language and his ability to teach it are excellent. If you are looking for an Italian learning experience that is both fun and rewarding, lessons with Davide are for you.

I have had the pleasure of studying with Davide Valenti for almost six years, and I can say with all honesty that he is one of the most incredible professors you will ever have. Though currently a senior at Mountain Pointe High School, I have been able to earn college credits through Scottsdale Community College through credit by examination, a unique opportunity that he alone has been able to provide. So, why would his teaching allow me to truly be productive, get a jumpstart on my future? What does he have to offer? He brings a unique appreciation for culture, a genuine love for language, a real interest in the world of grammar. He brings the motivation needed to fully invest himself in the student, caring and embodying such patience, while also exploring language, exposing its complexities for what they truly offer: beauty. Taking full advantage of the exceptional teaching techniques of Davide, I have been privileged enough to delve into great works of literature, plunge into challenging grammatical exercises, and truly understand Italy—its history, its culture, its people. Harnessing his zeal and his knowledge to create a gripping curriculum engulfed by an inviting learning environment, accompanied by a touch of professionalism, Davide will allow your language skills to flourish and your understanding of culture to grow. He will allow you to know, truly believe that you are capable of uttering such beauty. He will change your perspective on learning languages, just as he has mine.

My husband and I started studying Italian with Davide Valenti after trying to learn to speak Italian via a set of CDs and Rosetta Stone. Our goal was to be able to travel to Italy and become immersed in the culture and more importantly, communicate both orally and in writing with our relatives that live in Italy. While we picked up some phrases and words through the CDs and Rosetta Stone we were missing a basic understanding of the structure and grammar of the language that presented limitations to our speaking the language. In our studies with Davide we have progressed far beyond the entire CD set and Rosetta Stone course. After only eight lessons with Davide we were able to communicate and make ourselves understood in Italian. As busy professionals, it is often hard to find the time necessary to learn a foreign language. Davide provides enough challenge so that we are learning at a college level, yet in a relaxed and informal atmosphere that is suitable for adult learners. Due to Davide’s charm and personality, the lessons are fun and enjoyable events that we look forward to.

I first fell in love with the Italian language, long ago, during childhood visits to the home of my Italian-speaking grandparents.  The sound of it was mesmerizing and I vowed to someday be able to communicate with them.  But alas, other childhood activities took precedence and that goal was pushed aside.  The “hip” language of the day through high school and college happened to be French, so I joined the masses and studied hard. However, after a couple of visits to Italy, those childhood feelings came flooding back, and I sorely regretted that I never realized that childhood dream of studying Italian.

Enter Davide!  

I signed up for beginning Italian at Scottsdale Community College – was nervous as all get out – mainly because I had been a teacher for the past 20 years, and I didn’t think I would fall into the role of student so gracefully.  But, after meeting Davide, my fears were laid to rest.  Here was a teacher who was a master of his craft.  He knew all the ins and outs of the language, spoke it beautifully, and presented it in such a way that it was neither intimidating nor overwhelming. The semester flew by, and I was hooked.

I decided to take advantage of his private tutoring, and am so pleased with my progress. Our sessions consist of actual conversations now, and it’s not just about the food taken on a picnic.  The beauty is, I can understand what Davide says to me. He never laughs at my pronunciation, just gently corrects it, and is forever encouraging.

He’s accommodating of my schedule, and flexible with locations that fit into my whereabouts on the day of lessons.  With patience that is unending, and some humor thrown in, the lessons have become something that I look forward to each week.  I have learned so much, but have had fun in the process, and feel I have not only a terrific teacher, but a new friend as well.

It is without reservation that I recommend Davide if you share my desire to become proficient in Italian!