francisco is a guitarist nodding at the past and future of music. he began playing guitar at age 11, and has since then achieved musical presence with a deep sense of authenticity in today’s contemporary music world.

known for his versatility and individuality playing a wide array of musical genres, francisco has performed and studied in the U.S., Europe and Latin America with numerous jazz and contemporary premier musical artists such as Peter Bernstein, Ameen Saleem, Ari Brown, Fareed Haque, Richie Hart, Tedd Baker, Bill Heid, Paul Carr, Derrick Gardner, Herman Burney Jr., Carl Allen, Brian Settles, German Kleiber, Mike Cemprola, Michael Bowie, Antonio Orta, Francisco Vielma, Santiago Bosch, Andres Briceno, Pablo Gil, Gustavo Caruci, Marlene Rosenberg, Lenny Robinson, Thad Wilson, Ejijah Jamal Balbed, Sharon Clark, Jerrick Matthews, DeAndre Shaifer, The Washington D.C. Congressional Chorus, Reggie Thomas, Geof Bradfield, Sarah Hughes, and many more.

He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from Berklee College of Music in 2012, and a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies from Northern Illinois University in 2017, both with Summa Cum Laude honors.

besides being an active performing and recording musician, he has more than 4000 hours of teaching experience that involves instrumental instruction in guitar and bass, as well as courses in ear training, harmony, composition, music production, music history and ensemble coaching in various educational settings including universities, public and private schools, community music schools, and private teaching. his work has been recognized and awarded by the DC Comission For The Arts and Humanities and The Maryland Orchestra Directors Association.