Francis Music Lessons
About
I will lead beginner and intermediate students through a tested curriculum that will teach them how to
play their favorite songs
learn music theory in a fun and accessible way
and have them on their way to composing their own songs
In a few m onths time.
I understand what it's like to be a novice guitar player, an amateur producer, and how it can be tough to pull together resources from all over the internet, just to feel like you're only scrapping by. My music lessons keep this in mind, and will approach every student's situation with care and consideration, helping give them the map they need to get wherever they're going in their music journey.
I've been doing music from a young age, having been involved in the school chorus at age nine. I began playing piano and guitar in high school, taking them more seriously in college to complement my music production skills. I studied Piano Performance for several semesters at Columbia University in New York, where I would also perform with local bands at house parties. Furthermore, I have studied the western music canon, from Plainchant in ancient Europe, to modern african-American music including blues, jazz, rock n roll, and hip-hop. My studies give me a unique advantage in tying all of these genres together, and giving students a strong understanding in music theory and music history. With these fundamentals they will truly see their talents and creativity flourish, and will be motivated to work har, knowing they are taking part in a millenia-long tradition in our shared musical heritage.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Working with a new stuent, I will ask them a few questions to see where they're at. Usually, theyre a complete beginner, in which case I'll begin slowly, teaching them the pieces of the guitar and how they come together to form the whole. Then, when we get to the strings, I show them how to play simple songs on each string, so they have an understanding of how all the strings come together. Soon after, we can get to chords, and the songs they can learn become a bit more interesting. I then show them how to creatively bring these together to learn more of thei rfavorite songs, or even write their own.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Two semesters of Piano Performance at Columbia University, 5 years of piano, 4 years of guitar, 3 years of music production, 3 years of learning music theory
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My plans go for $30 for half hour and $50 for an hour
How did you get started teaching?
I was out of a job, and figured I had been playing guitar for some time, an thought I could teach others how to play and make money doing something I enjoyed.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked mostly with young adult students.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find someone who you feel you can form a connection with. They'll be more able to invest their time and efforts in getting the student where they want and need to go.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should understand this process takes a lot of time. they should mostly ask themselves if they've set their standards too high. Many students psych themselves out of learning, because they think they need to be some kind of master within the first few weeks, months, or even years. this is a lifelong process, and I wouldn't expect (from my own experience), students to see themselves on par with their favorite musicians within the first few months. They should also ask themselves, regularly, how much process have htye made recently. Those small wins, being able to play a basic solo, a basic chord progression, etc. can really motivate us. Lastly, how many of these questions just come down to "keep practicing". the truth is, after the fundamentals are understood a lot of the technique comes down to endurance.