Brazilian music is my specialty and my passion! I have 25+ years experience performing and teaching samba to all ages and abilities at music camps, universities, classrooms and privately.

Fran is an amazing dude overall and excellent teacher. He got me started with samba music years ago and provided a super solid foundation for me! I still learn something new every time I take a lesson with him. 10/10 recommend.

Francisco takes complicated rhythms and breaks them down into bite-size portions that are easy to digest, especially as a beginner.

Francisco is an amazing teacher and musician in general. I came to him wanting to know more specifically about Brazilian guitar, which is an obscure topic (and hard to find a teacher for!), and was blown away at his expertise, musicianship, and approach in showing me the ropes. He's deeply patient, articulate, attentive, and encouraging, and I can really see the progress I've made thanks to studying with him. He's clearly proficient in all sorts of styles and can talk theory, technique, repertoire, soloing, songwriting, you name it. I highly recommend him as a guitar teacher for anybody wanting to get better at the instrument at any level.

Hey friends! My exceptionally talented friend Francisco Marques is expanding his teaching practice. He is a multi-instrumentalist that has a deep knowledge of Brazilian music and rhythms. Beyond that, he’s an excellent and compassionate teacher to all ages in many different musical genres. I’ve been lucky to study with him over the years and you should too!

Fran had a big job when he took me on as a student - I was interested in only authentic samba music, which has extremely difficult rhythms as well as at least TEN different percussion and melodic instruments to learn (plus an extra 4 or 5 for occasional use).

Fran taught me every one of them expertly, and took the time to get to know me and show me his culture. 13 years of consistent work later, I'm a professional musician, and have a life rich in samba projects that take me across the world. My path would have looked very different without Francisco's hard work and genuine care - I can't recommend him and his teaching enough!!

Francisco is a wonderful teacher and a lovely guy. He's also a very talented and well-rounded musician. I've known him for 10+ years. His samba pagode classes at California Brazil Camp are very popular, in which he leads the whole ensemble from vocals to strings to percussion. I recommend him for all manner of lessons, you can't go wrong with Francisco.

I'm a drummer, percussionist and music teacher. I've studied and played with Francisco for over a decade. I started a Samba School and my students get very excited when I invite Francisco to hold a clinic or master class. He's an incredible person, player, and teacher. He has a knack for explaining concepts simply, passionately, and in multiple ways to suit the students' learning styles. I've watched him teach from large groups to individual lessons, and from absolute beginners to advanced students, and every time I come away with how I can be a better teacher. Most of all, he makes learning fun. Highly recommend, you will not regret!