Learn Romani (Gypsy) language and/or music+dance from a Roma professor and singer born in the Czech Republic.

Dr. Petra Gelbart is a fantastic teacher! I could not speak more highly of her. I have known Dr. Gelbart in a professional capacity for over 10 years, during which I have witnessed her public speaking, teaching, and performing in a variety of settings, including speaking in front of governmental bodies, presenting at academic conferences, and teaching in the classroom. She is one of those brilliant people who manages to make their expertise accessible to those she teaches. Learning with Dr. Gelbart is not only rewarding; it is fun. She is passionate, enthusiastic, engaging, and truly cares about connecting with her students. To know her is to have one's life enriched on many levels.

I have known Petra both professionally and personally for more than 20 years, and I can recommend her without hesitation.

Petra is a native Romani speaker, an exceptionally talented musician, an experienced music therapist, and a wonderful teacher and facilitator. We have worked together for many years, and we co-founded and run a project supporting foster and adoptive families raising Roma children, helping them build a healthy and confident sense of identity.

What makes Petra truly special is her ability to combine deep professional and academic knowledge with warmth, empathy, energy, and a wonderful sense of humour. She can connect with everyone from toddlers to teenagers and adults, and she has a rare talent for making learning feel natural, enjoyable, and meaningful.

She brings language, music, and Romani culture to life in a way that is authentic, engaging, and full of joy. And honestly, Petra is simply one of those people whose company makes you feel good.

If you have the chance to learn from her, take it. I couldn't recommend her more highly.

Petra has introduced me not only to Romani literature about the Roma people but also to many traditional and modern songs depicting Roma culture across Europe. She has a beautiful, rich voice and teaches songs in variations of Romani languages from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Russia, Hungary, the Balkans, Germany, and England. She provides clearly written texts with translations that help you learn what each word means, so you can sing the songs with accurate expression, which is crucial when singing Romani songs. She has helped me practice songs in different keys and offered helpful tips on rhythm, tempo, and intonation. She plays multiple instruments but will accompany on piano to make learning easier. Petra is always a pleasure to work with.

Petra and I have been colleagues for over 15 years, including in the classroom, and she is, without a doubt, an absolutely phenomenal teacher. I've seen her teach tiny kids, very senior adults, and everyone in between, always with an extraordinary level of care, patience, and creativity. I've learned so much from her, both as a student and as a co-teacher. Her enthusiasm is delightfully contagious! I'd trust her with my life, and certainly to teach me any of the languages she knows.

Petra Gelbart is a phenomenon! A brilliant thinker, a world class musician, and a teacher with incredibly wide experience on many levels. Studying Romani with her, or actually at all, will be a wonderful, mind-expanding experience. Like all the best teachers she combines high standards with empathy. One of the finest people I know. Recommended enthusiastically without any reservations.