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Wayland School of Music
Francesco Barone

Dr. Francesco Barone
Director of Suzuki Programs
Guitar, Suzuki Guitar


Francesco completed his B Mus degree Temple University as a member of the Sigma Alpha Music Honors Society; then his M Mus and DMA at the Hartford University’s Hartt School of Music, where he was a Graduate Teaching Fellow and winner of the DMA Talent Award. His principle instructors were Richard Provost and Allen Krantz.

Francesco has performed frequently on prestigious concert series including those of the New England Guitar Society and Connecticut Guitar Society, and has also appeared in recital in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington. He is committed to community outreach, presenting multiple programs each season at libraries, assisted living centers and other community venues.

In addition to his studio at Wayland School of Music, Francesco teaches at the Essex Community School, at the Barone Guitar Studio, and has given masterclasses at the Connecticut Guitar Society and the Hartt School of Music. He was a faculty member of the Hartt School of Music Community Division and appeared frequently on the Faculty Recital Series. He is the author of Chord Companion: A Chord Method Supplement, published July 2020.

Meet Francesco

  1. How/what age did you start your instrument?
    I was introduced to music as an electric guitarist at age 13, but did not begin studying classical guitar until age 17.
  2. Did you come from a musical family?
    No, neither of my parents were musicians, although it was thought that my sister was the musician of our family since she played with the school band as a percussionist in elementary and middle school.  
  3. Best, funniest, or worst musical memory from childhood?
    Hearing Bach played on the guitar for the first time as a teenager.  
  4. A highlight or two from your performing career:
    Performing my first national concerts in Seattle in 2019.  
  5. What do you love about teaching?
    I love using my skills and talents to enrich the lives of my students and watch them strive for excellence. It's a miracle to watch students develop and make progress on their instruments over a period of weeks, months, and years.
  6. What would you like your students to know about you?
    That I deeply care and am invested in their success.
  7. Can you share a non-musical fun fact about you?
    I am a raw vegan.