La Mirada, CA Classical Voice Lessons

y is to have a safe, positive, fun, and effective learning environment for all of my students. I believe it is important to be a well rounded musician, therefore I love my students to have a solid understanding of what they are doing. I strongly encourage all of my students to learn theory along with piano or voice, so they understand what they are doing. Each student is unique, therefore each student has a different lesson plan. I do expect that my students will practice during the week in order to grow, since this helps them reach their goals. I do let students pick most their own repertoire, since it is very important for them to be motivated and enjoy their assignments during the week. I can teach from early Baroque music to modern day and everything in between. Music is expression, therefore I believe it is very important for my students to love what they are working on.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons are in my house with my upright Yamaha piano.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can bring a keyboard, but it is necessary to have a piano or keyboard at home to pracitce on if you are a piano student.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in jazz voice, with a strong background in classical and musical theatre. I also specialize in piano, music theory, songwriting and arranging.

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.

ren's lives in all areas and seeks to cultivate that within the child.

Adults also find it easy to learn from Carmen's teaching approach. Her ability to approach a students challenges with a multitude of learning techniques has been useful in helping students succeed. She teaches skills and techniques for practicing that are useful for musicians through out their lifetime. Carmen also knows exactly what it takes to make a student a professional who is ready for studio session work, live band performances, live improvisations, auditions or creating their own music. She understands the desire and drive behind wanting to create with music and emphasizes certain key aspects that can make musicians proficient in any genre when practiced

Education

Carmen comes from a long family lineage of musicians and artists. Always being exposed to classical music and opera since birth, Carmen was in awe of the power of the human voice through opera. At 8 she began to study the art form and teach herself music. She started studying with teachers at age 11. After learning voice, piano and cello followed. While studying classical techniques, she also taught herself other genres of music which enabled her to play, record and perform with musicians of almost every genre by 19.

Carmen has been taught and trained by many professional working musicians of impressive musical carrer heights Her former opera/ vocal coach Shonie Lebie attended The Julliard School on a full scholarship before going on to The Metropolitan Opera House. Piano teacher Shoshana Ben Horin, a graduate of Prague Conservatory of Music and concert pianist, toured all of Europe before instructing Carmen in piano. Carmen has learned cello and other string instruments from professional working musicians here in Los Angeles.

Experience

Carmen is a current working session musician, songwriter and performer in Los Angeles. She has performed and recorded with musicians from The Gap Band, Guns n' Roses, Whitney Houston, Vanessa Hudgens, Hayden Panettiere, etc. She was born and raised in Los Angeles.

*** Lesson Details ***
I customize EVERY lesson for EVERY student (Beginner or Advanced) whether playing in for fun, preparing for a show or wanting to become a professional musician, I can help you reach it.

For piano I can teach you the classical method, Suzuki or methods toward the genre you enjoy playing. You'll learn Ear Training, Rhythm, Theory/ Chords, Sight Reading, Improvisation, Repertoire and a little songwriting.

For strings I focus mostly using the Suzuki Method/ Classical Repertoire or Hal Leonard curriculum. If you seek to learn rock, jazz or blues I have customized learning technique depending on your level. You'll learn bowing techniques, Ear training, Sigh Reading for multiple Clefs, Orchestration, and of course theory and repertoire

For singing I customize the lesson toward Genre Performance preference of the student to maximize your time and productivity. Covering Breath/Phrasing, Projection, Tone Improvement, Diction, Microphone technique, Sight Reading, Proper vocal warm-ups/ Maintenance and Repertoire

*** Specialties ***
Opera, pop, rock, r&b, blue, jazz, alternative rock, string instrument improvisation, free form, variations of short hand lead sheets (how to play along with a band at gig nights), piano chord structures & progressions, singing with band accompaniment, children's music

training. I specilized in vocal training with Robert Austin and in San Francisco with Richard Nichol of the Garcia-Marchesi Institute. I sang with the Palm Beach Florida Opera Company. I am a tenor with a 3.5 octave range. I also sang and performed in Musicals and Operas and Sacred Oratorios from Maui to Florida. I am the proud "dad" of two high school aged children who are excellent students!
I teach voice (beginner to professional levels), guitar (acoustic and electric: beginners to Intermediate) and basic piano. I have been teaching private lessons for 7 years. I also offer voice or guitar classes at St. Cecelia's School of Music in Canoga Park, and privately in my home Reseda. I focus my instruction on "correct" breathing and proper singing. My time-tested techniques will improve and protect your voice from injury.and produce a beautiful tone and wonderful performance. I teach guitar chords, reading standard musical notation as well as tablature. For beginning piano students of all ages I teach you how to read music, play scales, strenghten your finger strength and play cords and song.

ND ADULTS
It’s never too soon or too late to build up your musical abilities. If you have zero experience but want to learn, I can teach you how to use your voice or play the piano.
- Match pitch and carry a tune
- Keep a steady beat
- Play melodies and chords on the piano
- Understand how your instrument works
- Read music
- Learn to play or sing a song by ear
- Get comfortable performing in front of others

PIANISTS WITH 3+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Have you been studying with another teacher who taught you the basics and you’re ready to advance to a higher level? Are you self-taught and interested in refining your skills? I will help you take your piano playing to the next level.
- Build more advanced technical skills
- Play with emotion and finesse
- Find new and challenging repertoire
- Learn to accompany a soloist
- Perform in front of audiences
- Understand music theory
- Write your own music

EXPERIENCED SOLO SINGERS
Are you ready to audition for a high school or community musical or opera? Have you performed covers or your own music at an open mic? Would you like to major in vocal performance in college or possibly become an opera singer? Do you really rock at karaoke? Are you already proficient on an instrument and want to branch out into singing? I can help you build on the foundation you’ve already developed.
- Stretch your vocal range
- Improve your tone and projection
- Develop advanced technical skills
- Work on challenging songs
- Explore a variety of genres and styles
- Develop a strong stage presence and charismatic performing style
*- Learn classical/Bel Canto technique - I specialize in classical singing, although I work with singers in many genres

CHORAL SINGERS
Are you, or would you like to be, a choir member at your school, church, temple, or community choir? I’ve been singing in choirs for almost thirty years! I can teach you any skill you need to know, from basic skills for beginners, to advanced skills for aspiring or working professionals.
- Expand your vocal range
- Learn controlled vocal technique and how to “blend” your sound
- Read music
- Practice basic to advanced sight-singing
- Sing harmony
- Understand conductor’s directions
- Learn techniques for different styles of music

ABOUT ME:
I'm college educated in both classical music performance and English literature. In addition to teaching, I perform professionally as a singer, organist, and pianist with musical groups all over the greater L.A. area, including the Pacific Chorale, the Charles Dickens Carolers, Nova Vocal Ensemble, and many others.

I'm happy to meet my students at any location near either Pacific Palisades or North Hollywood - I can teach music at any location with a piano. Contact me for more information. I look forward to meeting you!

If you’re ready to start, click the green “Book With Me” button on my profile!

*A note about availability - I keep this updated as accurately as possible, but because I travel over a wide area, your preferred time slot may not be possible for me, depending on the location of the lesson. Please contact me to discuss scheduling before you request a specific time slot.

If you choose to take lessons at my home location, please be aware that I have cats. If you have a phobia or allergy, this location won't be suitable for you.

mpany that I direct and sing in as well. So I'm a performer, and a small business owner! So come see what I can offer!

wide variety of contexts ranging from opera, choral, musical theater, jazz, and R&B/pop. I have over 15 years of experience performing, and over 5 years of experience teaching voice. My diverse array of artistic experiences allows me to be flexible and sensitive to the specific needs of my students.

Singing is ultimately a form of artistic expression and release. The end goal of all the technical training is to create an artistic moment for both you and the audience. When you begin the journey of discovering your own unique voice, you will also begin a deeper journey with yourself. Singing has brought me so much joy in my own life and I look forward to sharing that joy with you!

e need to build upon. In my teaching I believe that what you think and feel determines how you sing. I try to infuse positive affirmation and a safe environment for you to freely explore your personal sound. I enjoy helping students find freedom in making healthy and beautiful sounds.
I regularly teach: Pop, Classical, Musical Theater, R&B, and Traditional.
Looking forward to working with you!