Professional jazz and classical pianist available for weddings, birthday parties, and any event where quality music is needed. I have played the piano for over 25 years in the Philadelphia and DC/MD regions. Whether you need someone to play featured music or just background music, I have the skills and the repertoire to exceed your expectations.
Frank did an amazing job curating a mix of jazz classics with some modern re-mixes like killing me softly, for the cocktail hour at our wedding! He was kind, easy to communicate with and flexible. Not to mention, he is a phenomenal pianist. Highly recommended for your gif!
We hired Frank to play piano music in our home for a small group on Christmas Eve. He was professional, personable, and engaging. He played everything from Christmas music to kids songs to classical music to 50+ years of chart toppers. I can’t wait to have another reason to hire Frank again!
Francis provided a stunning piano setting for my rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow on violin. The chordal progressions, structure, and texture were absolutely perfect! Video link: https://youtu.be/Ezni6Pv6aMA Humongous Thanks! Would recommend!
Francis was well organized and communicative through the whole planning process. We booked him to play a mix of classical and jazz piano at our cocktail hour. We had to make a time change to the cocktail hour and he was very flexible with the change. Guests gave great feedback on his performance!
Response from Francis Coates, Classical & Jazz Pianist:
Congratulations on your big day! I had a great time performing for your guests.
we hired Frank for a post-wedding, holiday brunch. about 25 people. he did a great job, even tolerating our adult nephew accompanying him on the guitar (!!) - not planned. but he is very talented, kept the music upbeat and enjoyable. A really nice variety.
Frank set up his keyboard in minutes and provided a wonderful and diverse background accent to our Retirement Party. Many compliments. Would hire again.
I couldn’t possibly have been happier! Mr. Coates is professional, friendly flexible and OFF-THE-CHARTS TALENTED!!!
Before he left my home I asked about booking him for next year!
He was personable, on time, professional, and very talented. I would hire him again in a heartbeat!
We were so happy that Mr. Coates was able to perform for us. He is an outstanding and professional pianist who executed his repertoire flawlessly and with grace. He arrived ahead of time and remained very focused. Lots of great feedback from attendees. Very easy to work with. I’d hire him again without hesitation. Highly recommend.
Photos from this event
I had a very specific playlist of tracks (punk/rock) and wanted them played classically for our wedding cocktail party. Francis was very easy to work with, showed up on time and executed on the task! Our guests were very excited, so I consider that a success.
Mr. Coates did a great job of playing for a small fund raiser at my home. He provided music during the cocktail hour and played for part of the dinner portion of the evening. My guests were impressed and it made the evening special.
Response from Francis Coates, Classical & Jazz Pianist:
Thank you for inviting me to entertain your guests and your kind words.
There are not enough superlatives to describe Frank's skill, knowledge of genre, and personality! We were mesmerized by his playing at our home during the Holidays and would gladly welcome him back at any future function.
All pieces were stunning but for me .. as the ebb and flow of conversation went through the house .. and I thought how blessed we were to be surrounded by friends and family .. he hauntingly played "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen. Stopped me in mid conversation as it did for several other family members. Beautiful.
Thank you for being such a craftsman. Your work was truly appreciated.
Response from Francis Coates, Classical & Jazz Pianist:
Thank you for your kind words. I enjoyed playing for you and look forward to working with you again.
A very fine person- and performed very well, suitable to the memorial service environment.
Appreciate it very much.
Price Range: $100 and up
Gig Length: 30 - 240 minutes
Languages: English
Insurance: $1,000,000 - general liability
My goal is to meet and exceed your expectations. I started my career as a cocktail lounge player in a hotel lobby bar and would play for four hours every weekday night so I have a large repertoire to choose from. I can play classical, jazz, or anything you request. I read music and also play by ear.
Born in Washington D.C., Francis attended Suitland High School for the performing arts studying piano with pianist Michael Maher. After graduating, Francis attended University of the Arts in Philadelphia studying music composition and orchestration with Dave Thomas. In 2008, he graduated from University of Maryland Baltimore County with a B.A. in Music Composition.
Based in Philadelphia, Francis is a pianist and composer that has composed music for film, ballet, and theater. Francis has performed at popular music venues throughout the country such as the Kimmel Center, Merriam Theatre, and Kennedy Center. In 2009, Francis worked with Director Marcus Thomas on the film "Casting Notice" which was recognized by multiple film festivals around the country. In 2010, he was commissioned by the Slovene National Theatre Opera and Ballet to compose a 30-minute orchestral piece for Choreographer Kjara Staric. Although he enjoys composing multiple genres of music, Francis specializes in contemporary classical and jazz orchestral.
Please specify if I need to provide my own equipment. I have a professional keyboard and sound system, but prefer playing an acoustic grand piano when possible.
| September 01, 2023 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
| May 01, 2022 • 4:30pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Reception |
| December 24, 2021 • 4:30pm - 7:30pm | Dinner Party |
| December 17, 2021 • 8:00pm - 9:00pm | Christmas Party |
| June 12, 2021 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
| January 08, 2021 • 5:00am - 7:00am | Studio Session |
| December 29, 2019 • 12:00pm - 3:00pm | House Party |
| December 18, 2019 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Retirement Party |
| December 13, 2019 • 8:00pm - 11:00pm | Christmas Party |
| July 07, 2019 • 2:00pm - 4:00pm | Birthday Party |
| July 05, 2019 • 6:30pm - 7:30pm | Wedding Reception |
| November 10, 2018 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
| June 06, 2018 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday Party |
| March 24, 2018 • 6:00pm - 8:30pm | Dinner Party |
| February 17, 2018 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
| February 10, 2018 • 6:30pm - 8:00pm | Cocktail Party |
Some of my favorite musicians are Duke Ellington, Bud Powell, Oscar Peterson, and Herbie Hancock. I also love playing Chopin.
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91 Verified Bookings Nicole D. said “David was AWESOME. Very skilled and was a perfect addition to our wedding!! Can’t thank him enough!”
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1 Verified Booking Peter G. said “Rob came recommended to our family as a pianist who could play classical, jazz and American standards for my grandmother's memorial. He sure did…”
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22 Verified Bookings Stephanie W. said “Played so beautifully and is great with communicating before the wedding to ensure all your needs are fulfilled! 10 stars!”
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36 Verified Bookings Jordan G. said “The Creswell Club made our wedding night so incredibly special. We contracted them for our wedding ceremony and cocktail hour music, and everything went…”
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