Franca V. - Hey Joe Guitar

New York City-based Music Teachers. Private In-Home Manhattan and Brooklyn Music Lessons. Any Instrument. Most Popular: Guitar, Singing, Ukulele, Piano, Drums.

Franca V.

Franca V.

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What is your teaching philosophy?

I adapt my technique to each student’s individual needs and abilities. Once I get to know a student, I decide how to help him / her achieve the best results.

In your opinion, what is the right way to teach and what do you do in your lessons that makes you a good teacher?

If I can impart technique and emotional musicianship to each student, while helping them forge their own relationship with music and encouraging them to have fun, then I am doing a good job as a teacher.

How many years have you been teaching music lessons?

Twelve years. I am classically trained since childhood and piano was my major at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. I am an actor and singer as well, and my training in these areas influences the way I teach piano and accordion, and vice versa.

What are you most proud of in your musical career?

I’ve created a great side career playing the piano at Marie’s Crisis, an amazing Broadway sing-along bar in the West Village. I also play sat private parties in the style of what I do at Marie’s Crisis. It’s like music therapy, and it’s delightful and fulfilling to make people happy through this direct, chaotic musical interaction.

What’s the best compliment you have ever gotten as a music teacher?

Even the simplest “thank you, I really enjoyed my lesson,” means the world to me, especially when I know it’s heartfelt and sincere. I feel so lucky that I get many such words of gratitude from my students.

What country have you travelled to that you like the most and why?

I loved traveling to Ireland. It’s a beautiful country, and music is such an essential part of Irish culture and daily life. While there, I enjoyed listening to traditional Irish instruments like the bodhrán drum and uilleann pipes. I tried to play them but can’t say I’ve mastered the technique!

What languages do you speak?

I speak a little Italian and would like to be more fluent, so I could sing in this beautiful language. I love listening to Andrea Bocceli!

If you could perform with any musician (alive or dead), who would it be and why?

Marin Mazzie, impeccable Broadway singer whose class, humor, voice and musicianship were a gift to anyone who heard her. And probably Mozart, because he was a genius and a little crazy.

Do you have any interesting or unusual hobbies? If so, tell us about it.

Mine seem pretty not-unusual: photography, urban exploration, and cooking. My number one passion is music!

What are you currently listening to on the radio, iPod, iTunes, Spotify, etc.?

Aretha Franklin, The Commodores, Michael Jackson, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bach, R.E.M, Cyndi Lauper, Amy Winehouse.