Instructor Spotlight: Andrea Di Francia

With more than 25 years of musical experience, Andrea is passionate about helping students build confidence by turning challenging concepts into simple, achievable steps.

1. How long have you been playing music?

I’ve been playing music for over 25 years now. Yikes, that sounds so old!!! Music has been an important part of my life for a long time, both personally and professionally.

2. What instruments do you teach?

I teach drums. 

3. What inspired you to become a music teacher?

I was so lucky to have some incredible teachers who were foundational to my development, not only as a musician but also as a person. They invested in me, encouraged me, and helped shape the way I approach music, and I want to follow their example by having that same kind of positive impact on my students.

I enjoy taking something that initially feels complicated and breaking it down into clear, achievable steps. There is a lot of confusing or inaccurate information about music, especially online, and I want to be part of promoting trustworthy, high-quality music education as well as I can. Teaching gives me the opportunity to share my love of music while helping students develop both their skills and their confidence. What an amazing opportunity that is!

4. What do you enjoy most about working with students?

I enjoy seeing the moment when something finally clicks for a student. It is so rewarding to watch them progress from struggling with a new technique or groove to confidently using it while playing a song. 

I also love discovering each student’s unique personality as a musician and helping them find their own voice. 

One aspect of teaching that has been surprisingly meaningful is seeing how music lessons can become about more than music. They can help students work through insecurities, become more comfortable making mistakes, and learn to recognize and celebrate their own growth.

5. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?

My musical taste is all over the place. I love a very wide variety of genres and styles! Some of my biggest influences are drummers such as Steve Gadd, Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, Tony Williams, and John Bonham. I have also been greatly influenced by bands and artists such as Led Zeppelin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Weather Report, Foo Fighters, The Beatles, Tower of Power, and many others. I guess I am just starting to list all of the musicians and bands I love hahaha

6. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a new music student?

Be patient with yourself and practice consistently. You do not need to master everything immediately. 

Small, focused improvements add up, and learning the fundamentals well will give you the foundation to play the music you love.

One of the beautiful things about music is that it can be enjoyed and created at every skill level. You do not have to be an expert before you can make something cool or meaningful. Wherever you are in your journey, you can already create something, express yourself, and connect with music in a meaningful way.

7. If you could jam with any musician, living or dead, who would it be?

Probably all of the people I mentioned in the previous question. It is almost impossible to choose just one, so I won’t. I would love to sit in on a jam with Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, or the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Each would be a completely different experience, but any one of them would be unforgettable. And very intimidating!