San Marcos Performing Arts Classes

and recitals in New York City, London, Edinburgh, and various cities in Italy as well as locally here in California and Florida. Rebecca received her Bachelor in Music degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. She is a student in the online Masters program for Music Education at the University of Florida, Gainesville. She has also studied at the Universita per Stranieri in Perugia, the International Lyric Academy of Rome, and the International Institute of Vocal Arts in Chiari, Italy. She is currently the Director of Music Ministries at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Carlsbad, California, and teaches voice and piano privately.

Rebecca is a regular performer with the San Diego Opera and is a former member of the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. She is featured on their 1996 release Christmas with the Master Chorale. Other recordings include Mahler VIII - Symphony of 1000 in the chorus with the late Robert Shaw. Other conductors and coaches Rebecca has worked with include Sir David Willcocks, Julius Rudel, Stefano Vignati, Dr. Robert Summer, John Mario DI Costanzo, the late Cesare Rufini, Diego Moccia, Annetta Monroe,
*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons are tailored to the individual student's initial abilities. In all genres of music it is important to breathe well, have breath support, communicate the emotion and character of the song, and eliminate vocal bad habits. These issues are different for everyone.

I teach a classical Italian technique of breath support and beautiful tone, and these techniques can be applied to all musical styles.

The student will be assigned and choose songs to learn and work on as we incorporate the techniques into the songs and vocal exercises.

Piano lessons and Italian lessons are also available from ages 5 and up.

*** Studio Equipment ***
CD player, 7' Boston grand piano, digital recorder

*** Travel Equipment ***
Yamaha keyboard.

*** Specialties ***
Voice, classical, pop, Broadway, opera, Italian, piano, music theory,
audition preparation. I specialize in opera but sing many styles, including pop, classical, and musical theatre; I teach all styles in piano.

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

ey feel strain, tension or raspiness. I explain a little about how the vocal cords work, visualizing or picturing the action of the vocal cords and the muscles that work with them.

I encourage students to find their own images that they can relate to. We work on breathing, increasing range and power through vocal exercises. I have pre-recorded exercises for the student to work on during the week.

Working on songs is equally important. Knowing how to get the sound that is uniquely your own and expressing yourself without strain or damage to the vocal cords.

Do any of the following things interest you? Increased range and power, ear training, song writing, breath management, music theory, or improved performance skills? Try a lesson. It's rewarding and fun!

*** Lesson Details ***
I have a warm down to earth approach to voice lessons. I'm laid back and very patient. This doesn't mean that I'm not demanding of my students. I'll help you find the best way to find practice time and enjoy the journey. In a few weeks you'll notice an easier time hitting those higher notes. In a few months you'll be singing songs with more freedom. You'll learn breathing, tone quality, how to increase range and power. We'll also work on performance and making a song all your own.

*** Studio Equipment ***
PA system for singing on mic. Recording lessons or songs is also possible. As of July 2017 video will be available.

*** Specialties ***
music theory, voice, singing, speaking, beginning piano, performance skills
I specialize in jazz though I don't have much call for that. I'm good with most styles except Rap & Opera.
I am a believer in Speech Level singing. I combine methods of Caesari and the methods that both Musician Institute & Los Angeles Music Academy use.

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.

ons on whatever the 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...

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!

ncluding audio post-production and sweetening for video and film.

As a performance director for voiceover, stage, and video, James takes an actor’s initial choices to a new level through his understanding of the nuance of interpretation, delivery, blocking, timing, and character.

As an author, James has written what has become the standard reference book for the voiceover industry, "The Art of Voice Acting."

As co-executive producer of the VoiceOver International Creative Experience (VOICE), the world’s only major convention for voice actors, James has gained a high level of credibility in the voiceover community for exceptional community service and event producing.

For more than 45 years James has worked with voiceover artists as a voice actor, director, performer and studio engineer in Los Angeles and San Diego. For 25 years, he was a director and audio producer for NBC in San Diego, receiving eleven Emmy® Awards. Following his television career, James moved into professional voiceover and creative services with the establishment of VoiceActing.com and VoiceActing Studios where he received numerous Omni Intermedia Awards, the Communicator Award, and multiple Silver Microphone Awards for his work. He is currently an independent audio producer, voice actor, performance coach, professional speaker, author, and teacher.