Will Franke

Will Franke is an accomplished musician with a diverse background, encompassing over 27 years of experience in both performance and education. Specializing in classical violin, Will also excels as a fiddle player, guitarist, mandolinist, songwriter, recording artist and sitarist, embracing genres such as jazz, folk, Indian Classical, and contemporary styles.

He honed his craft at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he specialized in classical violin and pursued independent studies in Hindustani Classical music on the sitar. In 2011, Will received an artist grant to deepen his study of Classical Indian music in Kolkata, India, enhancing both his violin and sitar skills. His vibrant career includes performances in a variety of ensembles and bands across multiple genres such as classical, jazz, folk, rock, world fusion, and electronic music.

In addition to performing and teaching, Will is an innovator and the inventor of a unique electronic organ pedal. This device allows musicians to execute any harmonic progression using only their toes and feet, freeing their hands for other instruments. Will continues to perform, teach, compose, and record, constantly pushing musical boundaries.

My teaching approach is diverse and dynamic, blending a wide range of musical styles to lay a solid foundation in instrument fundamentals, technique, music theory, and artistry. I believe in nurturing both technical proficiency and creative expression, enabling students to explore various genres including classical, fiddle, rock, pop, and more. Whether you wish to delve into multiple musical styles or concentrate on a specific genre, I tailor each lesson to align with your unique musical interests and goals.