About
Charlotte Francis PhD, MA, BA (Hons), BMus (Hons), LMus (Violin) (AMEB), AMus (Piano) (AMEB)
Charlotte grew up in Brisbane and began learning violin and piano from the age of five, studying violin with Elizabeth Morgan, John Willison and John Curro, and piano with Joyce Bennett and Diane Selmon. While still at school she formed a very successful string quartet with her three sisters which performed extensively throughout Australia.
Although maintaining a busy performing schedule, she completed a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours and then a Master of Arts from the University of Queensland. This led to a Teaching Fellowship and scholarship at the University of Otago where she gained her PhD in Classics with a Commentary on Book 10 of Martial’s Epigrams. Whilst studying, she performed regularly both as solo and ensemble performer throughout the South Island, and taught violin for the Marama Strings Project, In 2011, Charlotte commenced her Bachelor of Music in violin performance with Stephen Larsen at the University of Canterbury, before moving to Auckland to complete an Honours degree at the University of Auckland.
Charlotte continues to perform regularly in solo recitals and ensembles throughout New Zealand and maintains her violin studio in Auckland.
Performer
In addition to numerous solo performances, Charlotte has performed in many ensembles throughout New Zealand including the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra, as well as a number of other chamber groups.
In 2016 she formed the Francis-Lee duo with pianist Gemma Lee, which performs regularly throughout the Auckland region. Charlotte performs on a violin made in 1740 by Giacomo Zanoli.
Teacher
Charlotte discovered her passion for teaching as a lecturer in Classics and Ancient History at the University of Otago. Whilst studying for her PhD she taught violin for the Marama Strings Project, in association with the University of Otago and subsequently established a successful violin studio in Dunedin. She has taught for the Pettman National Junior Academy and as assistant teacher to Stephen Larsen (University of Auckland) and internationally renowned violinist and teacher, Takako Nishizaki.
Charlotte has received extensive teacher training from renowned violin teachers such as Takako Nishizaki, Stephen Larsen (University of Auckland) and Kevin Lefohn (University of Portland, USA) and participated in masterclasses and lessons with Elisabeth Kufferath, Charles Castleman, Donald Armstrong, Nikki Chooi, and Ida Kavafian. She is also an Associate Member of the Institute of Registered Music Teachers of New Zealand, registered in Violin and Viola.