Piano with Francesca V.

Alumnae of CSULAs music department with an emphasis in classical voice and guitar, Francesca's skills cover a vast array of information. With a background and formal education in opera and "the classics", Francesca is equally comfortable on stage with a chamber orchestra as she is with a rock band. Francesca started teaching music at the early age of 16 with great success. She has honed her skills both in the private studio and in the classroom. Having served as musical faculty the California Music Academy, Cornelia Connelly High School, Pasadena Saturday Music Conservatory, and East Los Angeles College. Having the incredible opportunity to lead large choirs and sing before sold out stadiums. Francesca has performed across 4 continents as a solo artist, chorister and instrumentalist. Francesca has had the privilege of performing for several heads of state in some of the most cherished venues in the world. Francesca has released two solo albums and contributed to countless recordings over the past 20 years. She is regularly published in respected musical periodicals and writing journals. She is also a internationally successful clinician and educator. With a constant effort to maintain a professional studio learning environment and with a focus on reading skills and solid technique, Francesca's students enjoy lessons packed with information and light-heartedness. The one on one experience you will have the moment you "walk thru the door" promises to be unmatched. Francesca's students can be seen on major television networks, radio stations and performing all over the world in various projects. With a passion to give back, Francesca reserves a small number of spots in her schedule for the youngsters and seniors of her community. She teaches beginning through advanced guitar, piano, and voice. *** Lesson Details *** Voice and Instrument Coaching ~Develop skills and techniques for top notch practice and performance ~Study theory, composition, ear training, arranging, improvisation ~Discover music technology and performance techniques ~Study melody, harmony, song form and lyric writing Artist Development ~Voice and Instrument Coaching ~Song Writing and Selection ~Demo Recording ~Image / Art / Photography Consulting ~Finding your signature sound and style ~Live Performance 101 ~Branding / Career Planning and Strategy ~Song Analysis and Consulting ~Booking gigs A Note From Francesca: I love to teach! I love my students, I get to do what I love all day and I am sure it shows. I have a blast discovering new ways to experience music every day. I try to have a very light air in my classes at all times as it just makes the process so much more fun for everyone. I've seen it all in through years: kids, adults, beginners and advanced students. I am personally very interested in being the most versatile musician possible and I love being able to share my knowledge with my students. We can study anything and everything from Classical Guitar to Electric Guitar Shredding; from Opera to Country and Rap, from Tchaikovsky to Sia! I love getting students to dabble in little bits of all genres, often getting even the most skeptical student singing and playing comfortably in a matter of just a few weeks. My students will be able to read music for their favorite tunes and understand how to improvise from the start. Once you come in, you'll be hooked. You will have fun because I am having fun! I encourage all of my students to share their favorite music with me. It affords me the opportunity to learn more about what they desire to learn and what types of music they enjoy. We will learn with your music often. After all, isn't that why you are coming to see me? I will introduce you to new sounds and styles, but will foster your love for music, and do my best to never force my music on students. I feel I learn as much from my students when I truly listen to them and their music as they do from me. On site lessons/sessions are available for artists recording demos, rehearsing bands and setting up their own studios. *** Specialties *** Francesca on Artist Development: I feel obligated to share my joys and experiences- Not many people have been blessed to sing alongside as many renowned musicians as I have - I've been lucky to be welcomed in both the commercial and classical worlds and they have both afforded me venues to use my voice and express the most vital corners of my soul. To find your purpose through art is one of the greatest gifts you can receive. And to be able to do that in front of thousands of music lovers live or over the airwaves is a surreal experience. I've been luckier than most. I've had GREAT mentors who have always pushed me forward and shared their wisdom freely with me. Part of the classical musician's central goal is to educate. That's a value I carry into my rock projects and production studio. Work smarter, not harder. Take the needed skills, create art, teach others how to do the same thing, move forward together to live happier, more productive lives filled with purpose. I have come to be known as one of the top Musical Mentors & Artist Development Experts on the west coast. A behind the scenes- diva of dream building with the skills to push artists to the next level- the ace up the sleeve of many of today working talents. In my award winning studio, I spend time coaching voices that you regularly see on the Disney Channel and all of the competitive shows including The Voice, American Idol and America's Got Talent. My clients have on on to countless awards including an Emmy and a Grammy, and have even won a Golden Buzzer on America's Got Talent. Music has brought me to nearly every continent and introduced me to some of the most talented and diverse people you can imagine. I feel compelled to share these experiences with those around me so that they my develop the vision, the salt and the skills to persevere. Each one of us has a story, our truth. Being an artist is about finding ourselves, our song and expressing it publicly so that we may heal, so that we may grow. It doesn't take a ton of experience to write a hit song. It doesn't take a fancy education or a family line of talent (though it can help). We can all find our voice, our place in the spotlight, what it takes is the courage to take the next step forward. Inside my studio you will find the help you seek. I can impart you with proven techniques to strengthen your sound, develop your tone through strong technique, develop strategies to share your art and develop a plan to turn pipe dreams into reality. Some desire to sing on the worlds brightest stages, others strive to lead others through teaching themselves, and some wish for nothing more than to experience music in a confident manner among friends. All can be lead on this personal journey of the artistic soul and all can make their offering to the musical gods. There is a place at the table for anyone seeking an answer.