Francesco Raddato
About
About Me
My musical journey began at the Conservatory “U. Giordano” of Foggia, where I earned both the V.O. Piano Diploma and the Academic Piano Diploma with top honors, distinction, and a special mention under the mentorship of Maestro Anna Chiara D’Ascoli. This early success fueled my passion for continuous improvement, leading me to hone my skills further at the Accademia di Fiesole with Maestro Andrea Lucchesini. My quest for artistic excellence also took me to the Conservatorio “N. Piccinni” of Bari, where I pursued Music Composition studies under Maestro Luca Belcastro, achieving the highest marks and deepening my understanding of musical expression.
Professional and Performance Experience
Over the course of my career, I have been honored with more than 20 national and international piano competition wins, including prestigious events such as the “Talento Contemporaneo F.V.G.” in Trieste, the Puigcerdà Music Festival Competition in Spain, and the “Vincenzo Scaramuzza” competition in Crotone, among others. My performance career has taken me to over 400 concerts across Europe and beyond, where I have performed as a soloist, as part of chamber ensembles, and as an orchestral soloist, for many concerts in Italy and abroad such as in Greece (for the 31°, 33°, 36° International Festival of Karditsa, in Karditsa, Trikala, Palamas, Amfissa-Delfi, Corinto), France (23èmes Fêtes musicales de Savoie” in Valmorel, in Saillagouse), Spain (Puigcerdà, Barcelona), Denmark, Hungary, England, Vatican City, Ukraine, Russia, Japan, Colombia (Bogotà, Ibagué, Tolima). Additionally, I have recorded for RAI 5 and for Radio Vaticana.
Teaching Experience
With 15 years of dedicated teaching experience, I have instructed piano both in private music schools and public institutions. I have taught at prominent institutions such as the Conservatory of Music "Stanislao Giacomantonio" in Cosenza, the Liceo Musicale “L. Della Valle” in Cosenza and the Liceo Musicale “Orazio Flacco” in Venosa, where I delivered comprehensive lessons in piano performance, music theory, and preparatory courses for competitions and conservatory examinations. In addition, I work for Universities such as Università Pegaso, further solidifying my role as an educator in the music community.
Fluent in English, Italian, Spanish, and French, I tailor my lessons to meet the diverse needs and cultural backgrounds of my students, blending my passion for music with my love for languages. This unique combination allows me to connect authentically with students from around the world, providing an engaging and personalized learning experience.
Teaching Style
My teaching style is student-centered and highly adaptive. I strive to create an inspiring and nurturing environment where each student is encouraged to explore their unique musical voice while building solid technical skills. I combine structured lessons with flexibility, ensuring that each session is tailored to the student’s level and musical interests. I emphasize clear communication, regular performance practice, and creative expression, helping students not only to master the piano but also to develop a deep, personal connection with music.
Curriculum
design each lesson to reflect the unique objectives and interests of my students, ensuring a personalized musical journey. Depending on whether a student prefers a classical focus, a modern/jazz orientation, or a balanced mix of both, I tailor the curriculum accordingly. For those on a classical path, the syllabus includes core technical exercises and carefully chosen repertoire featuring pieces from Alfred's Piano Course, Bastien, and different classical composers such as Chopin. For students inclined toward jazz and contemporary styles, I incorporate texts such as Mark Levine’s The Jazz Piano Book, selections from the Real Book, and other resource materials that foster improvisational skills and stylistic flexibility. Additionally, my lessons consistently integrate music theory, ear training, and sight-reading to create a comprehensive and engaging learning experience that evolves with each student's musical goals and passions.
