“Francesco taught my son Ben Classical Guitar, supporting him through the top ABRSM grades to distinction in grade 8. He is a cut above any other tutor we interacted with, meticulous about technique and interpretation, so his pupils can develop into masters of their instruments. The quality of his tuition is in the difference between learning notes and learning how to really play an instrument. I count us lucky to have had his dedication and instruction for several years, and I am incredibly grateful for his patience and investment in my son.” Professor Tamar Pincus
Francesco has a wide experience teaching at all levels, from beginners to advanced young players and adult aficionados. His first appointment as guitar tutor was with the University College of Ripon & York St John where he worked with undergraduate guitarists on a 4 year combined degree/QTS Music course. Following that he taught at the Oxfordshire Music Service for 4 years alongside Gilbert Biberian and Gordon Dunn and enhanced his understanding of teaching young children and their musical and technical development. He subsequently studied privately with Richard Wright of the Yehudi Menuhin School which further influenced his teaching approach.
“His mastery and passion for the guitar allowed me to improve hugely in a very short amount of time. After just a few months of his tuition he reformed my technique and interpretation for my upcoming conservatoire auditions and I was able to gain a place at the Royal Northern College of Music. His patience, rigorous detail and genuine care is unmatched. I am very grateful to have received his generous investment of time and dedication, which has had a lasting impact on me as a musician.” Lily Blyth (2nd Year RNCM Student)
Since moving to London Francesco has built up a busy teaching practice at the Purcell School for Young Musicians; the oldest specialist music school in the UK, Dulwich College; one of the oldest of the UK's public schools and the Harrow Music Service which provides music education to 1000's of children in the London Borough of Harrow. He has also given seminars at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire on developing young players and contemporary guitar repertoire, directed the advanced guitar course at Hertfordshire Music Service, been a guest teacher for Berkshire Maestros and conducted the Guitar Orchestra and given performance classes at the Royal Greenwich Guitar Festival.
Francesco's students have successfully auditioned to the Purcell School, the National Youth Guitar Ensemble, Trinity Laban Conservatoire, Royal College of Music, Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Royal Northern College of Music, Royal Academy of Music, The Cleveland Institute (USA), The Peabody Institute (USA) and the San Francisco Conservatory (USA). In 2016 his pupil, 14 yr old Billy Watman was runner up in the Sky Arts Guitar Star competition with a panel of judges including Milos Karadaglic, George Benson and Tony Visconti. In 2017 three of his students were selected to play for Leo Brouwer's masterclass at the Bolivar Hall. In 2018 the Purcell School guitar duo of Billy Watman & Petar Jovanavich were invited to perform at the Royal College of Music Guitar Festival. In 2020 Rocco Dalcin won the LeicesterMusicFest Guitar Award and in 2022 Dorian Voinea won the LeicesterMusicFest Advanced Solo Prize.
"Francesco has been teaching classical guitar for my three children for the last nine years. In addition to being an exceptionally talented guitarist, he is also very patient and methodical in his approach to music teaching. He nurtured and refined my children's innate interest in music to a high professional level. My eldest son is preparing now for his ABRSM diploma after completing successfully grade 8 in classical guitar. Likewise, my other two children are not far behind. As parents, we feel that we are privileged to have our children taught by such a great musician and human being." Dr M Azzawi & Mrs S Kheder (Harrow)
Francesco currently teaches students of all ages and abilities and is available for private lessons in the Enfield, Harrow & Watford areas.
Technique workshop at the Stoke Newington Guitar Festival