About Francis
Francis is a passionate music teacher specializing in classical guitar, electric guitar, ukulele, ear training, jazz improvisation, and beginner to intermediate music theory. With over 20 years of experience, he believes that music is a universal language and aims to help students understand why music connects with us on a deeper level. Francis emphasizes the importance of building a strong technical foundation while encouraging students to explore their musical creativity. His teaching philosophy revolves around the idea that musical instruments serve as bridges to bring out the music within us and to share that music with the world. Whether you're interested in classical guitar, electric guitar, ukulele, or delving into music theory and jazz improvisation, Francis is committed to helping you develop your musical skills and understanding. Book an interview with Francis now to start your musical journey!
BOOK AN INTERVIEW WITH FRANCIS NOW
I believe that music is for everyone. There lies inside of us that tingling sensation which makes us nod our head or stamp our feet whenever we hear the beat of a song going on. All of us naturally have that gift, the art of music. Through teaching, I deliberately see to it that the students will not only dwell on the technical necessities needed to play the instrument, but to have an understanding as to why music connects with us. Musical instruments serve as bridges in bringing out the "music" inside of us. To share that music to everyone and to the world, that is what I encourage my students to learn using various musical instruments. Learning the fundamentals are vital for us to share the experience we call art.
Name: Francis (Full name will be provided upon registration)
Age: 30's
Gender: male
I earned a Bachelor of Professional Studies Major in Guitar in Berklee College of Music, graduating as a Summa Cum Laude. At Berklee, I studied with teachers like David Newsam, David Gilmore, Jane Miller, Amanda Monaco, and Bruce Bartlett. I attended various masterclasses and guitar clinics about Blues Guitar, electric guitar techniques, and basic pro-audio seminars.
I learned how to play the guitar in 2003. But I started playing music professionally in 2012. Since then, I have been playing regularly in music lounges and events such as weddings, birthdays, and corporate parties. Pursuing excellence, I felt the need to further my studies. I enrolled with the best guitarist in the city I lived then, Ethan Ventura. After a few years of learning from him, I applied and was gladly accepted at Berklee College of Music's Online Program, where I earned my Bachelor's degree in music. I continue to develop my skills by attending masterclasses and guitar clinics.
English
Rates and Studio Policies
Registration Fee: $25.00 (One-time lifetime registration fee may be used by all family members)
Rates for instruction:
30 minute private lesson: $39.00
45 minute private lesson: $49.00
60 minute private lesson: $59.00
Travel charge: additional $15.00 per visit (for lessons in a client's home as opposed to my studio)
1. Cancellation Policy
Lessons not cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice are billable to the client and payable to the teacher. This does not of course apply to travel fees unless the notice is effectively given at the door and the teacher has travelled to the location.
2. Cessation (quitting) Policy
A client must provide a 2 lesson notice period to stop lessons. So a weekly student needs to give 2 weeks of notice, a biweekly student works out to 3 weeks notice and a twice weekly student works out to a week of notice.
3. Illness Policy
Lessons cancelled due to illness or extraordinary circumstances with less than 24 hours notice remain billable to the client and payable to the teacher.
BAH teachers are encouraged to offer a make-up lesson at a future date in the interest of client relations and general goodwill. This only makes sense as teaching a student with the flu for example, will ruin the rest of your week's employment.
No more than 2 lessons may be made up due to illness within a 60 day period.
4. Rescheduling Policy
Any lesson can be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice.
Summer Vacation and Extended Absence Policy
Clients may schedule longer absences for trips etc. 24 hours notice is required.
It is normal and typical for students and about 20% of our teachers to schedule a break in the summer. We do not enforce a notice period (see cessation of lessons) at the end of a long summer break.
5. Evaluation Period
There are no free trial lessons with Beethoven at Home but we do offer a 2 lesson evaluation period where it is easy to try out a teacher. There are no free lessons during the evaluation period and clients may choose to discontinue the lessons at any time by providing the required 24 hours notice. After the student's 3rd lesson the required 2 lesson notice period will apply (see cessation of lessons above).
Online lessons
Francis can provide online instruction. While other platforms are possible BAH strongly recommends the use of the Zoom video conferencing platform as it is optimized for music lessons and audio quality.