Cardiff by the Sea Performing Arts Classes

at I will talk about in the first lesson will be discussed during every lesson. Lessons will usually be divided into 1/2 vocal mechanics and 1/2 dramatic interpretation.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Music and acting texts, portable keyboard. Student need not provide anything.

*** Specialties ***
Broadway, voice/speech, classical theater, acting, stage combat

Each student should record their weekly lessons in order to review instruction and also to help with acquiring accurate listening and pitch skills.
Music should be purchased and brought to every lesson.

Piano Lessons:
I tailor each lesson to the individual. I use a variety of methods: Faber and Faber, Alfred Premier, Succeeding at the Piano. The lessons involve ear training, written theory, rhythm recognition, and songs (repertoire). My goal is to teach a well rounded musician equipping with the tools necessary to enjoy music for a lifetime.
Daily practice, attention to details, and enjoying the music are my goals for each lesson.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Upright piano
Ipad and laptop for special assignments or supplementary activities
PA and microphone for Advanced students preparing for auditions and competitions.

*** Specialties ***
Classical Voice, Popular Styles, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Opera, Church Music.

p people get better at sounding like themselves.

During lessons from me, you can expect to play, sing, clap your hands, and become completely immersed in the music you love. Whether your goal is to perform in front of an audience, record albums, or just play for fun in your living room, I'll help you make that happen.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music room, seating available, street parking.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I only teach students who provide their own instrument. I am willing to provide a loaner guitar for the week if a student's instrument needs to be repaired or is not accessible for any reason. I also provide homework when necessary :)

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in teaching confidence in performance practices, technique, singing and playing, and good microphone habits for singing, speaking, recording, and songwriting. I teach based on student needs, and I find each student benefits from a different curriculum.

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.

building, some relaxation techniques and even some personal motivation of their own before addressing huge audiences of eager acolytes.

I continue to work as an actor on stage and in television, as a playwright and as personal coach.

Some testimonials:
"[Mark] has been one of the most positive influences on my playwriting career and in my life in general. He has been wonderfully generous both to me and to a horde of other young (and established) theater artists in sharing his knowledge and talent." Jim Knable, playwright

"Of all the directors who have staged plays for me since 1986, none has contributed so consistently as [Mark] to the quality and growth of the Playwrights Project . . . . He is a caring and reliable colleague, a principled man who believes deeply in the importance of theatre in a civilized world." Deborah Salzer, Founding Director

*** Lesson Details ***
If you've got an AUDITION coming up for a stage play - I can help you with PREPARATION by giving detailed feedback on what you've already accomplished, suggest plays to choose a monologue from, and polish your audition to get you the role in as few as two one-hour sessions.

For students looking for PERSONAL ONGOING COACHING:
Beginning stage actors will explore how to work in your voice and your body. You will learn to use relaxation and breathing techniques, along with exercises in both memory and sensory exploration.

Experienced stage actors will work in greater detail and depth to find new ways to move you on to the next level.

You will select and prepare audition material and explore those parts of you that can best bring the character to life.

With consent from your director, stage actors preparing roles can get that extra time and feedback you want.

*** Specialties ***
acting for the stage, auditioning, public speaking, script analysis, directing, playwriting

), The Pajama Game and Christmas from the Heart (Dutch Apple Theatre), Fiddler on the Roof and Young Abe Lincoln (Lincoln Amphitheatre), Sunday in the Park with George (Strollers Theatre), and The Sound of Music (Oregon Straw Hat Players). She has been a soloist and guest lecturer with the Madison Savoyards, UW-Madison’s Early Music Ensemble, Madison Music in Performance Series, Charleston Community Orchestra, and the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. Jessica has been seen in numerous commercials in the Las Vegas and Los Angeles area. She currently resides with her husband, Jordan Miller, in San Diego where they run a vocal and acting studio. Jessica is a pround member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA.

During her academic studies Jessica concentrated on the bel canto technique and learning to sing in a multiplicity of classical styles, such as, Renaissance madrigals; Baroque cantatas and ornamentation; German, French, Italian, Czech, Swedish, Norwegian and Danish art songs; and opera from 1600 to the present. After completing her doctoral exam review, she began to work professionally in the world of musical theatre and has not had a moment to breathe since that time.

*** Lesson Details ***
I'm a very flexible teacher that wants to know what your goals are as a voice/music/acting students. Once I know your goals, I use all of my knowledge and experience to help you meet your goals. We work together as a team! I do not require a specific text book for lessons, since I have a large library of my own from which to pull repertoire and texts. I have taught and coached professional opera singers to children as young as 5 years old in private lessons and group classes. I would love the opportunity to teach you!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will provide a keyboard and CD player. My students do not need to provide anything.

*** Specialties ***
I am trained in the classical bel canto technique of singing. I have taught and worked professionally in opera, operetta, musical theatre and jazz, as well as, acting.

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.

*** Lesson Details ***
DANCE LESSONS:
At the instructor's In-Studio site, we have an amazing speaker system, wood laminate floors, and soon we will be installing 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 space and concrete, wood, vinyl or laminate flooring.
If 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.]

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.]

*** 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.

l piano teachers in order to find the perfect fit for each student. I still currently teach one of my 6 year-old students via Facetime.

I graduated in 2013 from ASU with a degree in Elementary Education, a minor in Music, and a certificate in Art. Since then, I have been a piano and voice teacher to 32 students, been a nanny to a pair of twins, started a children's entertainment company, and taught as a long term sub (3 month intervals) for 3rd grade, reading specialization, and middle school humanities.

The majority of my availability is during weekdays, but weekend lessons may be possible as well. Thanks for taking a lot at my bio and I look forward to speaking with you!

kills that may be used in professional situations, sales, dating, teleconferencing, and more.
Have fun, relax and express your creativity!
Try a new hobby.

LESSON CONTENT:
A typical lesson consists of:
--Physical and vocal warm ups
--Exercises targeted to building vocal technique
--Ear training
--Theory
--Developing a portfolio of performance-ready songs that vary in genre, style and difficulty.

BIOGRAPHY
I hold a B.A. in Vocal Performance from University of Minnesota in Vocal Performance and have been teaching since 2007. I'm an active performer, educator and entrepreneur with a side span of participation in the vocal arts and theatre community. Solo and ensemble performances include "Le Nozze di Figaro," "Rent," "The Mikado," "Night & Day," "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," choral performances with the San Diego Symphony and Sacra Profana, private events and jazz/cabaret shows. I've taught in private, community, and K-12 settings, including Gymboree, Young Audiences of San Diego, Junior Theatre of Balboa Park, San Diego Unified School District, and Cajon Valley School District. In 2007 I founded Prodigy School of Arts, a school for the visual and performing arts in La Jolla, CA, which was sold to new ownership in 2013. In my spare time I enjoy travel, languages, beach volleyball, and dance.

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!