Our Service

IPA Source was developed to benefit singers, teachers, and all those interested in the correct and knowledgeable performance of vocal literature. What started in 2003 as a support site for students in a university diction class has grown into the largest collection of literal translations and International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcriptions on the web. The goal of IPA Source is to promote the comprehension and accurate pronunciation of foreign language texts in art song and opera in order that the singer may imbue each syllable with the appropriate emotional content. 

Who we are
IPA Source is written and maintained by Bard Suverkrop who holds degrees in voice and opera from the University of Cincinnati where he was the pupil of the Italian bass, Italo Tajo. Mr. Suverkrop received his advanced vocal training in Europe from Hans Hotter and Josef Metternich. After an extensive European career in opera at such opera houses as Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Hannover, and Heidelberg, he returned to the United States where he taught voice, vocal pedagogy, diction, and opera at Butler University, Shenandoah University, Miami University, and the University of Southern California. He is a long-time member of the faculty of the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria and has acted as stage director and the Director of Theatre Arts at the Bay View Music Festival. An active recitalist, Mr. Suverkrop has been heard in concert in Europe, the United States and Asia where he has twice represented the United States in the International Friendship Concerts in Tokyo, Japan.

The IPA Source website was designed by Web Design GT

The future of IPA Source
At present, IPA Source offers works in Latin, Italian, German, and French. In the future, we hope to offer repertoire in other "singing" languages from experts in the field. Stay in touch for some exciting announcements.