KEVIN FRANCIS

Simon McCullough says...

I’ve been having guitar lessons with Kevin for almost 7 years now. I started as a complete novice, no experience, and no concept of how to play correctly. Whilst I still may not be ready for the Pyramid Stage now, I’ve learned so much, can play some quite complex songs and have a good understanding of how music is made. Kevin is very thorough and patient. He teaches from the bottom up, building your skills, knowledge and theory as you go. You learn how chords and songs are made up, not just how to play them. Kevin creates a really fun learning environment and I thoroughly recommend his teaching.

Chris Fisher says...

I had been playing guitar all my life as an enjoyable hobby then retirement gave me the chance to play more than work had allowed. I thought I knew a lot about playing but then I was presented with a set of lessons with Kevin to help me play electric guitar. What quickly emerged was that I had very poor understanding of how and why ‘the music worked’. Apart from the new electric techniques that Kevin taught, his lessons opened up an understanding of why all those chords fitted together. What started as six lessons continued into years. Each time I left his studio with new insight that gave me an enhanced enjoyment of both the music and the instrument. As a professional educator myself, I found it fascinating to experience the techniques that Kevin uses to steadily develop his students’ abilities and skills. We all know the advantages of ‘one to one’ learning over the many downsides of learning through internet tutors. However, what makes Kevin’s teaching different is his ability to develop learning experiences tailored to the individual’s needs. He ensures that the techniques taught are accompanied by a full understanding of ‘how the music works’. This is important because it enables you to apply learned understanding to new situations and empowers you to confidently develop your own abilities.

Ian Miller says...

If you’re looking for a top class guitar and bass teacher, look no further! Kevin is an exceptional player himself and can bring out the best in any student. He has taught many professional players. His lessons are fun, varied, exciting, focused, high quality and help you progress quickly as a musician. What stands Kevin out is his passion for music and his ability to really help a student develop both practical and theoretical skills to the highest possible level. There is simply no one better!

Renzi Lowend says...

I have been taking bass tuition with Kev for about 5 years.   Although I had been playing acoustic guitar for 20+ years, I had no idea about theory, or the neck, or even what I was playing most of the time because I was one of those 'self taught' capo wielding musicians playing combinations of A, E, D  and G. I decided to properly learn an instrument and chose bass because I wanted to learn an instrument that would be needed in a band situation (there are a lot of great guitarists out there) and it was actually the instrument I really wanted to learn at school. I am an adult student and I was really apprehensive at my first lesson but Kev was amazing.  I told him I wanted to start from scratch (I needed to!) and properly learn the instrument and theory. I had a little music reading ability lurking from piano lessons when I was a kid, but not much, so he treated me as a complete beginner which, it turns out, I was.  Kev is SO patient, he has this ability to just know how to progress your playing, I can't even properly explain how good he is at that, or even how he does it. I sometimes leave after my lesson thinking 'What just happened in there?'  His teaching style is relaxed, but his knowledge and teaching skills are second to none and his teaching room is a great space, with no distractions. I actually feel so lucky to be a student of Kev's, in the 5 years I have been studying bass with him I have gone from a complete beginner with no knowledge of the neck or technique, or theory, to a bass player who understands what I am playing... and why... and have been in a popular, gigging, disco band for a couple of years or so, and I LOVE it!  In short, my opinion is that Kevin Francis is not only a very talented and sought after bass player himself, but the best teacher to choose if you or your child wants to learn from someone who really knows how to teach the whole instrument and related theory and playing technique and has an amazing ability to gauge what his student needs to progress their playing. His students do go on to great things. Whether you are a young player wanting to learn, or an adult like me, with or without ability, he will give you all the tools you need to become a proper musician, and if you put in the hard work....?  Well, the sky's the limit.

Ant Wellman says...

During my one to one sessions with Kevin over many years we have covered so much ground, which has greatly improved my playing and overall approach to becoming a better musician. Whether it be theory, reading, technique, song structure, ear training.... no matter what your preferred playing style is, Kevin has it covered! Unlocking and explaining previous musical mysteries enables me to learn and understand things quicker, and has boosted my confidence no end when faced with new challenges, all aspects of my musical journey are now better than they've ever been... highly recommended!!

Paul Skilbeck says...

What can you say about Kevin Francis? The bass players’ bass player. A rock a nore rock legend! Soul, rock, R&B, standards. He has it all covered. What makes him special is that as well as being a band leader, and a gigging musician he combines this with teaching bass and guitar. He is sympathetic empathic inspiring encouraging and has the patience of a saint. Many budding guitarists can confirm! Add to the mix his love of the mighty Hammers and a light ale and to my mind you have the perfect music teacher.

Tobias Baars says...

Kevin took me from a complete novice to earning a BMUS with honors and this is completely down to his unbelievable teaching. I'd imagine the next level would be to become Hendrix... Under Kevin I have been able to jam at Ronnie scotts, and not feel a fraud he gave me the skills to play with the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Reggie Hamilton and Audition for Alice Cooper. I dread to think of the amount of hours Kevin dedicated outside of our lessons practicing the wild songs and obscure music theory. Thank you so much Kevin you really have forged me into the Bass player I always dreamed of.

Peter Bolwell says...

It is natural for students to look for a good player when they want to learn, and Kevin is certainly that. Although he prefers not to be part of a regular band these days, it seems whenever a band is short of a bass player locally, Kevin is the one they call on to fill in. However teaching is a different skill. Not all good players know how to teach. Kevin is one who can. He can do every kind and style of music:: rock, country, blues, even folk - you name it!  He approaches lessons methodically and with a plan, but also with great patience for those who are still getting to grips with the instrument. He has introduced me to lots of great music which had somehow previously passed me by. However what I really appreciate is that he doesn't just teach you what to play - though he can do that too - but more importantly he teaches you how to play so that you are then empowered to go out and do your own thing. I have been going to Kevin regularly for some years now and I am not only benefiting from it greatly but also still very much enjoying it.

Adam Daly says...

Kevin is a teacher in the true sense of the word. He tutored and mentored my son Max through his bass grades, to eventually a Grade 8 Distinction and then onto studying music at Salford University. Kevin did not just teach Max how to play and read the dots, his holistic approach to music and in depth knowledge and huge experience as a player and teacher of bass and guitar, made the educational journey from the basics through to expert, an extremely enjoyable process for him. I highly recommend Keven as a teacher of bass and/or guitar to anyone, of any age and at any level of experience.

FAILING TO HIT THE RIGHT NOTE

A report by Anne-Marie-Sapsted from 2003

At a time when increasing numbers of teenagers want to learn a musical instrument, schools are unable to satisfy demand.

A list (in 2 columns) of some of the bands Kevin has played with:

1066 Rockitmen (Pop/Rock/Function)
Amigos (Blues/Rock)
Better Days (Folk Rock)
Blues Brothers Tribute (Soul)
Bolivians (Blues/Rock)
Burden/Francis Quartet (Jazz)
Chandeliers (Pop/Rock)
Dan Lappin Band (Pop/Rock)
Deep Sea Drivers (Soul)
Force 8 (Soul)
Francis/Fisher (All Sorts Duo)
Geoff Henderson Band (Jazz/Function)
Grassed Up (Bluegrass)
Harlem (Funk)
Harry Walton Trio ( Jazz)
Helen Sharpe (Soul)
Jazz Organisation (Jazz)
Jazzmongers (Jazz)
Johnny Panic & The Lost Weekend (Rock)
Just Say Yes (Blues/Rock)
Karis Francis & The Lost Weekend (Soul Funk)
Karis Francis Band (Country)
Kitson Wellard (Pop)
Kobu (Reggae/Ska)
Liane Carroll (Jazz)
Local Heroes (Blues/Rock)
Mad Roy Lemon Band (Rock/Pop)
Main Reaction (Jazz Funk)
Martin Blackman Band (Pop/Rock)
Mix Beats (Pop)
Nana Tsiboe (African)
Nigg Band (Rock)
Nine O’Clock Horses (Rock/Pop)
Nothing But Trouble (Blues/Country)
Nutbush (Pop/Harmony)
Odd Steward (Tribute)
Parrot Band (Rock/Blues)
Pete Burden/Del Turner Quintet (Jazz)
Pete Prescott Band (Rock/Pop)
Pullbacks (Blues/Rock)
Ritz Hotel London House Band (Function)
Riviera Breeze (Function)
Roundabout (Function)
Rufus Stone (Soul/Funk)
Sapsford (Rock)
Sara G and the Other Three (Pop/Rock)
Scratch Band (Rock/Pop)
Skint (Rock/Pop)
Stan Sandford Big Band (Jazz)
Sundog (Blues/Rock)
That Band (Country)
The Alexanders (60s)
The Terns (Rock/Pop)
Tom Robinson Band (Pop/Rock)
Tommy Franks Trio (Jazz)
Whats Cooking (Latin)
Will Faeber Band (Country)
Willow Hill (Country)