Frances D.

Hi, my name is Frances, and I am a pianist, songwriter, and performer from Newville, Pennsylvania. I’ve been playing music for over 57 years and performing professionally for more than 25. I began playing piano by ear at age three, started formal lessons at six, and have also studied guitar, voice, and drums. I've worked with a performance coach in Nashville, TN, learning how to connect more deeply with my audience from the stage. One of my key takeaways from those sessions was the understanding that we aren't just making music on stage, we are creating moments. I started writing songs when I was 33 and after my debut album in 2000, my life took an interesting turn and music as a profession became my path. My teaching style is personal, flexible, and heart-centered, and my lessons are tailored to each student’s unique goals. I especially enjoy helping pianists who play strictly by note learn how to read chord charts and play more freely — discovering the joy of creativity and confidence at the keyboard. As a performer, I’ve released 11 albums, including a Billboard-charting classical crossover Christmas album with my duo, Double Keyed, which reached #13 on Billboard’s Classical Crossover chart in 2022. I’m currently working on a new album with Double Keyed featuring the London Symphony Orchestra. My favorite thing about teaching which I actually like to call mentoring and coaching is guiding students to grow not only as musicians but as whole people — learning how emotion, mindset, and artistry all work together to create powerful music. Thanks for taking a look at my profile — I hope to meet you soon!