Cardiff by the Sea Performing Arts Classes

al Music Teachers (CAPMT), and Music Teachers National Association (MTNA).

*** Lesson Details ***
Good technique, styling, and musicianship are VERY important but you have got to have FUN learning and performing! I channel and encourage each student'€™s creativity while helping them to learn to use their gifts as expertly as possible. My students can be seen on Broadway, Off-Broadway, on television, in commercials, in the movies, and in professional regional theatre throughout the United States. I have proudly seen many of my students go on to pursue higher education and careers in music, theatre, and dance.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Studio/Office: desk, piano, mirrors, sound system, chairs, extensive collection of sheet music and arts related books.

Parents can sit in on lessons.

*** Specialties ***

Voice: Speech Level Singing, Broadway music, Popular music, Classical, Speaking
Piano: Classical, Improv, Harmonization, Songwritting
Acting: Theatrical acting, Acting for the camera, Voice over, Comedy, Improvisation
Other: Conducting, Ear Training, Performance Coaching, Audition Coaching, Music Theory

en the songwriter, arranger, and bandleader for several original music groups. Stress Factor Zero combines rock with funk and jazz. Cloud Ex is an acoustic group combining Afro Cuban and Peruvian percussion with folk rock songs. His most recent band Stratosphere is a modern rock and funk band for artistic rockers and visionaries. They blend diverse styles of rock music with a fiery blaze of Latin percussion, sensuous saxophones, and poetic melodies with a message. Their first CD received radio airplay on over forty stations across the U.S. and Canada, and they are currently working on their third CD. Stratosphere performs throughout Southern California and is currently setting up several short tours in various cities across the U.S., Europe, and South America.

*** Lesson Details ***
Well structured lesson plan covering all aspects of music, specifically designed to help you reach your individual goals.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Acoustic piano, full keyboard, 4 guitars, bass, amps, microphones, Pro Tools recording equipment, and seating for parents

*** Styles ***
Rock, funk, jazz, country, blues, fusion, folk, R&B, and classical

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.

nd/or music and bring your abilities to a level that is more knowledgeable, adequately refined, near to perfection and professional over time, and definitely enjoyable.

My Biography:
I started at the age of 5 with the desire to perform and entertain. With the drive of a freestyle & street dancer, I emulated Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly and Michael Jackson as a few of my dance inspirations. I also grew up driven into the background of piano, having trained in various methods such as Alfred, Bastien, Faber, Carr-Glover & Glover, Thompson and Schuam, expanding my knowledge and range as a pianist of 25 years.

In Los Angeles, I was determined to make dance my professional career and earned my Baccalaureate in Dance at California State University, Los Angeles. I learned alongside notable and popular mentors and instructors, training in modern, hip hop, breaking, popping, locking, house, tap, jazz and ballet. I choreographed for weddings, birthdays, within multiple shows, as well as became an advanced member of Cal State LA Jazz Tap Corps and the campus' hip hop crew, Team Flight.

Under much dedication for my professional career, my experiences exponentially grew after college as the Dance Choreographer & Director for Crenshaw Arts/Tech Charter High School's dance troupe, CATCH Kids, a troupe renowned for being featured on the Tyra Banks Show and catching the eyes of a few known performers such as Tommy The Clown, Debbie Allen, and Janet Jackson. I was a Dance Instructor in various studios such as the American Vive Dance Foundation, King's Dance Center, Expressions Dance and Movement Center, and Kruciaal Element's The Dancehouse. I worked with Kruciaal Element Dance Company as the previous Assistant Director and part of their freestyle dance crew, Stylematix, and performed in shows and events across San Diego County and Los Angeles County, including Monster Bash San Diego, Mardi Gras in The Gaslamp District, Dancescape, The Hot Spot Alhambra and The Moxie Showcase.

My current disciplines are focused and centered around Southern California as the CEO & Director of a Dance Company. I aim at providing a unique family of dancers and training musicians to be at their best. I am working on several upcoming pieces and providing a dance company that integrates dance community and dance industry knowledge, with a side of the 3 Heart-"Be3ts". Additionally, I have extensive knowledge and experience in Filipino traditional dance, ballroom, social and line dancing, as well as a background in stage management, set design, and vocal training. My personal goals are to continue to express my passions, develop my talents, and especially motivate others to find their own true inner self, dancer, choreographer, musician, performer, entertainer and/or artist.

PLEASE NOTE:
For a more accurate look into my experience and resume, please refer to my profile. Also, any advanced, duet, group, weddings, birthdays, or any special occasion will differ than the usual lesson rate.

*** Lesson Details ***
DANCE LESSONS:
At the instructor's HQ site, we have an amazing speaker system, wood laminate floors, and surrounding mirrors!
All lessons are provided via movement.

I will provide a speaker system and the dance lessons for On-Site (Traveling) Lessons.
It is necessary to provide at least an 8 foot by 8 foot clearance of open space and a floor of concrete, wood, vinyl or laminate flooring.
If open space is away from an outlet, please provide an extension cord.

Dancer must have ready the following for class:
- Towel
- Water
- Comfortable Clothing
- Appropriate Shoes:
----For Tap Dance Classes: Hard-Soled Shoes are recommended for Concrete and Vinyl (outside) flooring.
----For Wood and Laminate flooring: Please make sure all screw-in taps (not bolted) are in the toe and heel of taps on Tap Shoes.

[Dance shoes and outfits are not included in cost of lessons; however, I will recommend places to buy these items.]

PLEASE NOTE:
For a more accurate look into my experience and resume, please refer to my profile. Also, any advanced, duet, group, weddings, birthdays, or any special occasion will differ than the usual lesson rate.

PIANO LESSONS:
At the instructor's In-Studio site, we have a Full 88-Key Digital Piano, Upright Piano and Baby Grand Piano for all piano lessons!
I will provide the piano.

I WILL NOT have a digital piano provided for On-Site (Travel) Lessons. Please have an upright, grand or digital piano ready (76 keys or more is ok; a Full 88-key Keyboard or Piano is recommended).

For Advanced Piano Lessons: A Full 88-key Keyboard or Piano is required.

[Piano books, notebooks and supplementary materials are not included in cost of lessons; however, I will recommend places to buy these items.]

PLEASE NOTE:
For a more accurate look into my experience and resume, please refer to my profile. Also, any advanced, duet, group, weddings, birthdays, or any special occasion will differ than the usual lesson rate.

*** Specialties ***
Dance:
Hip Hop, Breaking, Popping, Locking, Whacking, House, Bebop Tap, Contemporary, Modern, Jazz and Ballet.
Over 15 years of experience and training.
Taught various dance genres officially since 2005.

Piano:
Classical Pianist for over 25+ years.
Taught Piano for over 10 years.

PLEASE NOTE:
For a more accurate look into my experience and resume, please refer to my profile. Also, any advanced, duet, group, weddings, birthdays, or any special occasion will differ than the usual lesson rate.

lement Dance Company is now parent company to the following businesses: Kruciaal Element Amateur and Foundation Teams, Groove Basics, Visual Stimulus Events, Dancers Who Donate, Jade Dance Competition, Bite Dance Company, KiK Cabaret Company, KE Casting, StyleMatix Crew, Nucleus Youth Hip Hop, The Dancehouse, and Catalyst Dance Ensemble. She has danced with Fusion Force Dance Company, Urban FX Dance Company, and Funkanometry San Diego. She has been represented by Dorothy Day Otis Dance Agency and Bloc Agency. Mrs. W. has a Bachelor degree in both Fine Arts and Dance from San Diego State University, and her Masters of Arts in Dance from California State University Long Beach. She is also certified in Level I Pilates Mat Training and will undergo Level II next. She has performed with vocal artists Anisha Nicole, La Rain, Jason Brown, Tawny Heath, Juice, whose hit song was featured on the soundtrack for the motion picture Stomp the Yard, and Abrina, who has a new song with recording artist Mims. Mrs. W's TV credits include Fox 5 News, Channel 6 News, KUSI News, NBC News, San Diego “Rock N' Roll Marathon,” “Salute to Teachers,” “San Diego Living,” and “LA Special.” Mrs. W. was also a featured dancer at “Kel and Friends Afterschool Summer Jam,” “Pandamonium Dance” for DreamWorks’ movie Kung Fu Panda, and has judged events such as the Poway High School Air Band Competition, FilAmFest, Armageddon Dance Battle, and Art Official Dance Competition.

Mrs. W. has been teaching for over 18 years; some of her teaching includes: Coronado School of the Arts, Cathedral Catholic High School, San Diego Tech Center, Mesa Community College, and Southwestern Community College, Los Willows Resort, The Neutral Zone and Scriber Lake High School in Washington State through AmeriCorps National Service, Culture Shock Dance Center, University of San Diego, San Diego Dance Center, Boogiezone at Focus Dance Center, Malashock Dance School, Pasadena Dance Festival, Jean Isaac’s San Diego Dance Center, Lakeside Farms Elementary, Being Fit Fitness Centers, 4 Women Only Fitness Center, K.Y.D.S Inc., Frog’s Club One, Mind Body & Soul Dance Studio, Pure Fitness, Montessori Shir Hashirim Preschool, A Time to Dance Dance Studio, Pacific Arts Dance Studio, Heartlight Aerobics, LA Fitness Center, 24 Hour Fitness Center, Escondido Recreation Department, UTC Ice Town, Lil’ Arts, Cheek 2 Cheek, Champion Ballroom, Ballet Center West, Rubio’s Dance Studio, Royal Dance Academy, Step by Step Dance Studio, Academy of Performing Arts, Dance Consultant for Actresses, Private Lessons, Weddings, Bat Mitzvahs, Birthday Parties, including Quinceñeras (Modern, Hip Hop, Jazz and Salsa), Versant Venture, Aztec Recreation Center at San Diego State University, San Pasqual Academy, All Star Gymnastics, and Camp Get Away. Her current classes at Southwestern College include Jazz and Hip Hop Dance every Tuesday and Thursday. She also runs her own dance studio in downtown San Diego, The Dancehouse.

Her choreography includes works for Kruciaal Element, San Diego Civic Dance Association, Candy Inc., X-Force Dance Company, Coronado School of the Arts, Los Willows Resort, Fall and Spring concerts for Mesa and Southwestern Community College, A Fundamental Change Musical, Generation F, and for vocal artists such as Abrina, who opened up for Bow Wow, Paul Wall, and Lil’ Rob, La Rain, Jacqueline Grace, Tawny Heath, who opened for Sean Kingston and Baby Bash, and Jason Brown, who performed with Stevie Wonder and John Legend. Aside from dancing, Mrs. W. has over 10 years experience in social services where she has worked with youths from 2-18, adults with both physical and developmental disabilities, and seniors. Mrs. W. is incredibly grateful for her wonderfully unique family and friends who have always loved and supported her; they have taught her optimism and laughter. Her belief and faith in God has allowed her to stay focused on her purpose in life: “inspire.” She hopes to spread her love for God, life, and dance to as many people as she can!

e interests and strengths are for the student. For example, if you enjoy jazz more than classical we'll focus more on what you are particularly passionate about. I have also been a part of School of Rock Programs in which we provided performances for the students a la Jack Black. Please contact Takelessons to let the musical journey begin...

of Canada. He made his Broadway debut in Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Bombay Dreams, under the direction of 2-time Academy Award winning composer A.R. Rahman. He also starred as Lancelot in the Broadway National Tour of Camelot and Magaldi in the Broadway National tour of Evita (Harold Prince Revival). Gabriel had the distinguished honor of originating the role of the elf archer Legolas in the $30 Million Dollar, world premier production of The Lord of The Rings, directed by Tony award winning director Matthew Warchus.

and arranged music for many as well, so I'm very comfortable helping students with a variety of disciplines and interests. My professional experience in both the civilian and military music communities has given me an open-minded yet direct approach to WHAT you should learn, and HOW to develop each student's individual skills. I'm able to teach most students to an advanced level.

ollywood. As well as written and produced several of his own original plays.

bling, hand balancing, & Russian bar, at the San Diego Circus Center.
I really look forward to meeting you, & sharing my love of all of these areas!