Information About Francis - Nottingham teacher

Personal Description:

Professional tenor with 10+years of choral and solo experience. Oxford graduate with high 2:i in Music. Currently Assistant Director if Music at St Mary’s in the Lace Market, Nottingham.

I took up the cello aged 7, more recently becoming a first-study singer, studying under Carys Lane & Richard Strivens amongst others. After schooling in Manchester, I completed a gap year working at The Manchester Grammar School in the music department. I also sang with the Rodolfus Choir, engagements including a BBC Radio 3 Broadcast and a tour to the East coast of the US.

I then read for a BA in Music at University College, Oxford, during which time I was a choral exhibitioner with the Choir of Merton College, Oxford, a member of Schola Cantorum of Oxford, organ scholar at St Barnabas Church, Jericho and was also active as a conductor with a range of student ensembles and choirs: I completed a year’s tenure with the Oxford University Wind Orchestra, and have worked with the Oxford University Philharmonia, as well as several college chapel choirs, both as a conductor and organist. I was also in demand as a dep for many of Oxford’s finest choirs. As a soloist, engagements took me as far afield as Salisbury.

My compositions have been performed by several choirs in Oxford, including those of University, St John’s, and Merton colleges. I have just moved to Nottingham from Truro, where I spent the best part of 4 years as a tenor Lay Vicar in the cathedral choir there as well as working as an arts administrator at Truro School.

Tutoring Experience:

I've taught ABRSM theory to Grade 8, and singing and cello to pupils (adult and child) of various ages. I currently have a small teaching practice, teaching theory, singing, and cello, and will happily take on new pupils.

Tutoring Approach:

I offer a relaxed, friendly, and flexible approach to music tuition of all kinds, for young people and adult learners alike. You set the goals and together we'll meet them, in a fun and structured way. I use ABRSM grade exams but do not insist on them: whilst they can be a useful framework to work within, I don't believe they hold all the answers.