Beverly Hills, CA Music Recording Lessons

y to play percussion in the school symphony while at the same time developed an intense interest in the instrument that would become my true love, the guitar.

During 1996-98 I studied jazz guitar at the New World School of the Arts music program under the direction of J.B. Dyas and Dr. Roby George. Upon graduation, I was immediately accepted to the University of Miami jazz guitar program under the direction of Randall Dollahan. It was during this time that I also refined my skills as a classical guitarist and as a composer/arranger. In addition, I began passing my knowledge onto friends and eventually began working as a teacher.

My ability to play almost any genre of music is the fruit of past experience playing with an impressive variety of music groups, including jazz combos, symphony orchestras, Andean world music ensembles, and several rock and pop groups as well. As a studio guitarist I have recorded for various artists including Jaci Velasquez, Carlos Ponce, Alexandre Pires, and Noelia.

*** Lesson Details ***
Now also available to teach online video chat lessons through Skype.

Every one of you is unique and there are many possible paths to reach your goals in music.

With my background and music industry experience, I am able to customize my lessons for you so that you can reach your desired goals. We will take some time to find out where your passion lies in music and I will use my experience and knowledge to create a customized lesson-plan that will allow us to focus on reaching your desired goals and at the same time maintain a well rounded music education.

I find this to be key in making the lessons and your practice sessions very enjoyable, fun and laid back - knowing that everything we practice, play and talk about is in line with your goals as a student.

I will also be playing along with you and demonstrating everything that we're working on - music is meant to be shared and played with others and it is important to have that experience of interaction from early on in your lessons.

So whether it's learning to accompany yourself or others, write songs, read music, understand harmony, solo, or just jam out to your favorite songs, you will be well on your way to reaching your goals within 6 months of my lessons.

Look forward to making music with you!

Want to learn a quick exercise for mastering the fretboard on your guitar? Check out my article on the TakeLessons blog here: http://takelessons.com/blog/guitar-fretboard-chart

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room w/ grand piano and seating for parents.
Room/studio with professional recording equipment - Logic Pro X recording software, Mackie HR824 Studio Monitors, Miktech C4 Tube Microphone, UA6176 Preamp/compressor, Apogee Duet D/A converter.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide my instrument and teaching materials.
Students provide their instrument, music folders.

*** Specialties ***
All styles - pop, rock, classical, jazz, blues, folk, ethnic, latin, soul

r creativity.

Backed by an extensive musical background debuting with the Philadelphia Orchestra and continuing her career singing with Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic, Jan L. went on to receive a Bachelor’s of Education in Opera at Temple University and two Master’s Degrees from Combs College of Music in Theatre Arts and Composition.

Jan is the author of the performance book called "Once More With Feeling."

There is exciting news with Jan. Jan has been teaching online on Zoom.us. It's like Skype but better because you can record the whole lesson. For those of you who want a world class teacher, you can learn from Jan who has 20 Grammy winners. No driving, Just sit yourself in front of your computer screen. You will love the intimacy without leaving your home. Give it a try.

Jan teaches vocal technique that connects the chest middle head voice with a gospel belt. Jan covers proper breathing, vocal technique, performance coaching and recording in her protools studio.

"Jan L. is an award winning songwriter, producer, actress, and artist developer. Her studio, Angel Diva Music, is designed to improve artist abilities on and off the stage as well as giving the clientele first-hand knowledge of the industry while increasing their creativity."

Writer of performance book called "Once More With Feeling:

l, country, folk, jazz, metal and rock n' roll. Everyday as I continue to grow as a teacher and musician, so does my love for the guitar. I very much enjoy sharing my knowledge and seeing each of my students progress and grow as musicians.

*** Lesson Details ***
Every lesson will be tailored exactly to what you want to learn. We can cover specific topics such as music theory, harmony and improvisation, but if you would prefer to just work on learning your favorite songs, that's precisely what we'll do. Let me know what you want to learn and it will be done. We'll monitor your progress to help reach your goals. Most importantly, we will have fun while learning!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Acoustic and electric guitars and basses, amps, cables, music stands, PC with recording software

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide my own equipment. Guitar, amp, and cables. Students should have their own guitar and amp.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in rock and metal, but I love to teach other styles like classical guitar, blues, jazz, and country.

s and princes, Francesca has high expectations and is skilled in helping her students reach their goals.

Now performing in the Donald Brinager Singers, a studio choir for-hire, Francesca can often be seen performing with orchestras throughout Southern California. While mentoring through her award-winning teaching studio, Francesca also manages to perform several showcases featuring her original music with her amazing back-up ensemble.

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 around town 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:

My official bio is listed below, but perhaps more important than the things I have done are the things that I am doing. I am now approaching my 15th year of teaching. I love to teach! I carry a minimum of 30 students, but have carried more then 80 at one time, and have never once complained. My waiting list cycles based on my performance schedule and recording schedule. If you don't see a time that works for you, feel free to reach out and see if we can find something that works, as an artist, my schedule can be quite full but also quite flexible. 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 with "my kids." I call all of my students kids even though most of my studio consists of young adults. I try to have a young 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 Kelly Clarkson; from Tchaikovsky to Little Richard! 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 are available for artists recording demos, rehearsing bands and setting up their own studios.

On a side note, I love seeing students at my shows! I am a full time musician and can be seen playing with my band, in my own solo project and in various choral settings. Check out my website and see what I do outside of the classroom. My students get a kick out of the idea that they can buy a CD with their teachers face on it, and to be honest, so do I. Many of my students have their own music out on iTunes and YouTube. Many more can be seen performing around town in solo projects and professional ensembles.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Pianos, Guitars, Basses, Amps, Computer, Monitors, Music, Recording Software, Drum Kit, Studio and Performance Mics, everything we need! Its like Disneyland for musicians!

*** Travel Equipment ***
Varies

*** 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.

It'€™s funny, my classical cronies are impressed to hear my stories of packed rock gigs at the House Blues and national touring festivals like Warped Tour and my rock buddies ask to hear my stories of Disney Hall performances with the LA Phil. To be honest, Iâ'm impressed to be there too. Sometimes, I look around and think, how did I get here? How did I get lucky enough to live the dream, to find a home in music?

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 the young voices and faces of today hottest TV shows seen on ABC, Nickelodeon, and the Disney Channel, but I still have a soft spot for up and comers in the indie music world. Having written and performed my own music for decades, I not only lived the collegiate experience of the elite classical performer singing for presidents and world leaders, but also the dingy road of the rock musician who'€™s showed one night to a packed stadium full of fans and showed up another, thousands of miles from home to play to a coffee shop of 5 people. 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.

I am, above all, an artist & creator- living the dream, helping people- like you find their voice and write their songs. Turning raw emotion into art.

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.

You've already had the genius to be in the right place at the right time. Here. If you've made it this far, chances are you are smart enough, hungry enough and ready to take the plunge.

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.

d in your studies.

My main focus is to make sure my students continue to reach and surpass their musical goals. Hopefully I can't help you to do the same!

*** Lesson Details ***
Each lesson is custom tailored to your individual needs! I want teach you valuable music techniques through songs that you want to learn and play!

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have practice amplifiers and several guitars to chose from should you not have your own quite yet!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have an acoustic and or electric guitar/electric bass I travel with as well as a portable amplifier.

*** Specialties ***
I have a talent for music direction in a band setting so I also can help coach bands to achieve their full potential!

ished Writer and Music Writer

Professional Background

Private Voice, Piano and Acting 1/89 to present
Teaching and Coaching
Individual and small group instruction in vocal and/or piano technique, including piano chording technique and instruction over all musical styles, including all ages.
Acting coaching for monologue preparation, scene and character development. All instruction is personalized/customized to the student's needs. Includes audition preparation, vocal techniques for therapeutic needs, and overall instruction in wellness practices for artistic longevity. Includes warm-up exercises as well as performance development, demeanor, and execution. Emphasis on creating and strengthening positive habits as opposed to negative discipline. Personal, professional, practical.

Huckleberry Creative Learning Center 9/07 to present
Teacher
Classes in Singing, Music and Art Education, Cooking, Geology, Theater, History, Reading/Grammar, and Crafts
- created Custom curriculum for specific classes
- Taught to California Standards

Vibe Performing Arts Studios 8/08 to present
Instructor
Private and Class Instruction in Piano, Voice, as well as Special Needs Classes

Risen Son Productions/R. Enterprises, Inc. 1/89 to 2007
Co-Owner
Production, Marketing, Manufacturing and Sales of Internationally marketed goods
Composer and artist of finished musical products
Booking of Concert Appearances
Teacher and Motivational Seminar Speaker
Speech Writer
My husband Rick and I toured the World with our Praise and Worship concerts and speaking engagements

Headline Performer/Background Vocalist/Booking Agent 9/79-12/88
Vocalist to US Presidents Carter, Reagan, and Bush
Annie on Broadway, N. Y. Grace Farrell
Singer/ Dancer/ Lead Performer
Various Summer Stock performances touring the eastern seaboard:
The Music Man, My Fair Lady, On a Clear Day, Fiddler on the Roof,
Funny Girl, Hello Dolly
Did a command performance for King Olaf of Norway in Godspell
Cabaret - Sally Bowles lead performer - Atlanta, GA
Booking Agent for Mike Hein Agency, formerly of Ray Bloch Agency
Worked world-wide as soloist and background vocalist for internationally renowned artists (i.e. Placido Domingo, Julio Iglesias, Charles Aznevour, etc)
Performed at international sites (i.e. Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, Carnegie Hall, Paris Opera, etc)
Performed solo show in Grande Palais in Monte Carlo - Main Stage
Royal Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line - Head Liner
Cathy Baker Show

Choir Director Experience:
Hand Bell Choir Ash Street Baptist Church Atlanta, Georgia
Children's 6-9 Choir Ash Street Baptist Church Atlanta, Georgia
Children's 6-9 Choir The Church on the Way Van Nuys, CA

Theater Direction:
Robin Hood Revisited (a short play I adapted for Elementary Students)
The Bard is Back (modern version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
Cindy (A Musical I wrote based on the Cinderella legend, featuring Beatles (Music)

Education:
Utah State University - Secondary BS in Communication Disorders
National University - MS in Special Education
Georgia State University - BA in Advertising and Public Relations, Minors in Music, History, and Geology

Vocal Instruction:
Joseph Amayo University of Georgia
Florence Kopplef Georgia State University
Andrew Terry Atlanta, Georgia
Robert Strickland New York, New York

Additional Skills/Interests: Show dance including jazz, some ballet, tap, and modern; piano accompanying; sky diving; bike riding; gardening; teaching reading and writing, as well as working with students who have speech and language disabilities; and multiple philanthropic/church involvement and activities, including handi-crafts creations.

Miscellaneous: Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel, and Powerpoint

*** Lesson Details ***
Every lesson is customized to the specific needs of each student. Each lesson includes work on vocal essentials like breathing, hydration, and anatomy, as well as technique, work on specific, student-chosen songs, vocal and physical exercises, performance tips, music theory. Fun but educational!

*** Specialties ***
Voice in all Styles from Pop to Rock to Country to Classical; Vocal Performance in all styles; Music Theory; Piano, including Sight-Reading and Chord Theory; Theatrical and Acting Coaching: Audition Preparation; Song and Music Preparation; College Audition Prep; Resume Preparation; Vocal Breathing Techniques; Reading; Composition; Special Education Tutoring.
Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary Academic Tutoring in English, Grammar, Composition, History, Social Studies, Earth Science, Music and Art History

wledge I've acquired over the years in our comprehensive lessons. I love to teach. Teaching sharpens both our skills and makes us better people.