FrancescaMusiK Studio

FrancescaMusiK Studio

5.0Exceptional(18 reviews)

About

I love being able to share my passion and knowledge from so many great teachers and create an artist in each person.


Highlights

Hired 1 time
1 employee
24 years in business
Serves Pasadena , CA

Photos and videos


  • Reviews

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    Angelica D.

    Hard to know where to begin...Franchesca’s a top notch piano instructor. What impressed me most about her is the way she connects with her students. I felt so comfortable with her instantly and could feel her genuine interest in not only my piano progress but me as a person. She’s beyond a typical teacher.
    You know the saying “those who can’t do, teach?” Franchesca doesn’t fit that mold. She’s unbelievably talented. You can tell she’s a teacher because she loves to teach, not because she “can’t do.” I watched her play a Rachmaninov prelude and I was blown away, almost hypnotized, :) by her technique and musicality. She’s both an excellent pianist and devoted mentor for her students. She’s very observant and intuitive as well where she knows how to help you grow and excel in your piano skills.
    I’m not able to take lessons anymore as my schedule won’t allow it but I so treasure the years I had working with Franchesca. Like anything, piano’s not always easy. You make mistakes, you get frustrated a lot, and sometimes you feel discouraged about your progress. That’s where Franchesca stands out. She’s not just there for a pay check. She’s so invested in you and is with you through all the good AND all the bad. And she just simply makes the whole experience of learning so enjoyable and not intimidating. If you have the chance to work with her, definitely definitely take it. I’m confident you’ll really value her as a teacher as I much as I have.
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    July 20, 2018

    KF

    Kim F.

    My teen daughter has enjoyed 3.5 years of lessons with The Ivory Keys Music Studio, learning piano, music theory and singing. Franchesca is a supportive and inspiring instructor who pays attention to the strengths of her students and challenges them to develop their skills where they need improvement. Shes been a terrific role model for my daughter - Franchesca is technically gifted in her own playing, knowledgeable in all styles of music, and is an amazing vocalist. Most importantly, she has created an environment where learning music is both fun and challenging, and is supported with warmth and encouragement every step of the way.
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    July 16, 2018

    CW

    Chris W.

    Franchesca has been a wonderful piano and vocal teacher for our 10 year old daughter for the past 3 years. She has an intricate knowledge of music theory as well as piano and vocal techniques, and she conveys this in ways which are easy for children to understand.
    We like how Franchesca challenges our daughter to be her best. She is also incredibly patient, especially on those days when our daughter is tired from a long day of school or other summer activities! We are happy with the results as our daughter has been progressing quite well from beginner level on both piano and voice to performing some advanced pieces at her recitals.
    Franchesca has been kind, flexible, and easy to work with, and we are happy to continue working with her in the future.
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    July 16, 2018

    CZ

    Chris Z.

    Franchesca is an extremely upbeat, positive, and warm teacher. She shows a genuine care for her students.
    She has high, but reasonable, expectations at lessons. She always has helpful suggestions and can find the best ways to explain musical ideas. She is certainly knowledgeable about piano, voice, and music in general. She brought in several additional resources beyond the lesson books, including some very nice apps. (She loves her technology.)
    We were impressed with her ability to communicate with us, the parents, about our daughter’s progress.
    We would (and have!) highly recommend Franchesca to others.
    It has been a wonderfully inspiring experience working with her.
    ... Show more
    July 15, 2018

    GB

    Gina B.

    Franchesca is a incredible teacher of voice and piano. With her degrees in piano voice she is double the experience as a teacher.
    I studied both piano and voice with Franchesca. With my understanding of piano, Franchesca was able to help me to relate to voice as an instrument.
    Franchesca is able to teach very detailed gestures which affect the musical sound of music. Too many teachers only teachi note-reading and rhythm. These are very important however Franchesca can take it further by helping her students sound musical. This can be very motivating for the student as they become the creator.
    Franchesca works well with the beginning level as well as prepare a student for a college entrance in piano performance and theory.
    I highly recommend Franchesca as a teacher of piano AND voice.
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    July 15, 2018

    MV

    Muriel V.

    After many years, I have begun taking piano lessons again. Much of the skill I had by the time I was a young adult seems to be gone. But my new teacher, Franchesca Retford, assures me it will come back. In fact, she is the most outstanding piano teacher I’ve ever had (and I’ve had over a half dozen). Her methods for efficient practicing (i.e., looking for repeated patterns, writing down notations directly on the music, writing down fingering, etc.) have helped me tremendously. In just the first two lessons, Franchesca also helped me clear up some misconceptions about playing that I’ve had for years! I am so grateful! She’s skilled, patient, caring, helpful…She’s just the BEST!
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    July 15, 2018

    Frequently asked questions

    I first like to have an interview with a new client and make sure that the studio is a great fit for them. At that time I will assess what their needs and goals are and make a plan for future lessons. This is an opportunity for the student to voice their wants and needs as well as get insight into the kind of practice they will need to employ. 

    I have spent a lifetime mastering my craft. I started at a young age and went on to get a Bachelors degree in Piano performance as well as a Masters degree in Musical Theater/Opera Performance from Arizona State University. I also perform regularly with Master chorales and ensembles in the LA area. 

    I have studied with world class concert artists and have owned my own studio for over 25 years. 

    I offer weekly lessons as well as a set of 4-6 lesson packages in 30,45 & 65 minute increments. See Below for Prices l

    Weekly Lessons:

    30 minutes  (Beginning Levels, ages 4-6)           $160 per month ($640 per trimester)

    45 minutes  (Intermediate Levels 6+ )                 $195 per month ($760 per trimester)

    60 minutes   (Intermediate Levels 10+)               $260 per month ($1040 per trimester)  
    75 minutes (Intermediate split classes)                $325 per month ($1300 per trimester)
    90 minutes (Split or Advanced Levels 15+)        $390 per month ($1560 per trimester)

    Music Tuition Packages:

     

    4 - 30 minute Lessons - $200

    4 - 45 minute Lessons - $225

    4 - 60 minute Lessons - $300

    6 - 45 minute Lessons - $325    

    6 - 60 minute Lessons - $425

    My mother was a teacher and it initially was a way to make money for me as a 5th grader. I enjoyed it so much that I went on to pursue my degrees and continues to be mentored by great teachers. 

    I have worked with students as young as 4 all the way up to 75. I also have worked with special needs as well as well as many different nationalities. 

    I have worked with beginning musicians all the way up to college levels. I believe all people can learn and that progress isn’t based on inherited talent. 

    I recently sang the soprano role for a staged production of the oratorio, “Elijah” by Felix Mendelssohn with the Orange County Millennial Chorale Organization at Segerstrom Auditorium. 

    I would encourage them to find a Teacher that loves to teach for the pleasure of it, who is sensitive to their needs, and who is well education. 

    Each student should consider what their personal musical goals are as well as be open to new possibilities. As a teacher I strive to produce well rounded musicians who possess all the skills needed to be successful as a musician.  


    Services offered

    Piano
    Singing
    Acting
    Music Theory