• EDUCATION
• MM, Piano Performance, University of Florida, 2005
• BM, Piano Performance, Rice University, 2003
• BA, English, Rice University, 2003
• Diploma, Piano, HSPVA, 1999
• TEACHERS
• Ann Ostrow, voice, 2002–2011
• Larry Slezak, jazz, 2002–2010
• Boaz Sharon, piano, 2003–2005
• Welson Tremura, Brazilian music, 2004–2005
• Kevin Orr, jazz piano, 2003–2004
• Robert Roux, piano, 1999–2003
• John Weems, piano, 1995–1999
• Sylvia Strong, piano, 1995–1999
• Changlu Wu, piano, 1993–1995
• PROJECTS
• Eastern Echo Music Collective
• Piano Studio Di
• House of Di
• Houston Chinese Orchestra
• Classical Revolution Houston
• HAAPI Film Festival
• Miss Chinatown Houston

Francine began studying piano at the age of 12. Within two years, she was accepted into the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and went on to major in music and English.

After receiving her master's degree, Francine settled in her hometown of Houston, where she now teaches students of all ages. She enjoys the city's diversity, loves meeting new people, and is always open to hearing from curious, prospective students and collaborative musicians. Though primarily classically trained on piano, she has also studied voice and has performed pop, jazz, and folk music from Brazil and Asia.

In addition to teaching and performing music, Francine offers editing services, college admissions mentoring, and tutoring. Students she has advised earned acceptance into UT Austin, Duke University, Rice University, and others. Francine is also a passionate writer who strives to remain active in local workshops and organizations. Her most notable publication to date is an essay in Asian American X, but she hopes that list will soon grow to include other projects.

Francine's community involvement in Houston has included the Miss Chinatown Pageant, Houston Asian American Pacific Islander Film Festival, Rice University Community of Asian Alumni, Classical Revolution Houston, OCA, Houston Chinese Orchestra, Rice University Jazz Band, Brazilian Arts Foundation, and Voices Breaking Boundaries.

 

V I D E O S

V O C A L

P I A N O

• Who’s Who in America biographical honoree, 2007-present
• Double Ten Idol Singing Competition, 1st place, 2013
• Texas "The Voice" Competition, 2nd place, 2013
• Houston Arts Alliance $10,000 Individual Artist Grant recipient, 2013
• Voice of Southern Daily News Singing Competition, 3rd place, 2013
• Houston Amateur Singing Competition, 2nd place, Pop category, 2005
• Asian American X, published essayist, 2004
• Chinese International New Singing Talent Championship, Texas, 2nd place, 2002
• First Hua Xia Cup Karaoke Contest, 3rd place, 2001