Fran Coleman hails from Midlothian, Virginia. Fran is an accomplished composer and recording artist. She has performed with several local bands, touring the East Coast and opening for many national acts like The Derek Trucks Band, JGB, and The Wailers. Fran successfully earned her first Bachelor’s degree in Classical Vocal Performance at Virginia Commonwealth University. While attending VCU, she studied with L. Wayne Batty and performed several solo recitals, performed with both small and large jazz ensembles, sung in The Madrigalists, and also played the role of Marcellina in select scenes from Mozart’s, “The Marriage of Figaro”. After completing her degree, Fran received her second Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Longwood University. There she gained great experience through solo recitals, guest conducting, and completing her student teaching.
Most recently, she graduated with her Master’s of Music in Vocal Performance from Shenandoah Conservatory and began her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance. During her time at Shenandoah, Fran has studied the role of Gilda, and performed scenes from Verdi’s “Rigoletto”, Suzel in Mascagni’s “L’Amico Fritz” and Mrs. Fiorentino in a full production of “Street Scene”; in addition to solo recitals, award winning performances through NATS and many campus competitions. Outside of her academic accomplishments, Fran sang with the Virginia Opera Chorus for the 2009 season, as well as St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Richmond from 2005-2009.
Fran is now currently singing with Ginter Park Presbyterian Church and teaching privately. Her most recent performance was singing Verdi’s Requiem at The Kennedy Centre with The Washington Chorus and The National Symphony Orchestra under the wand of Maestro Christopher Eschenbach. These experiences have opened the doors to several performance opportunities with the Richmond Symphony and other local orchestral groups. Fran also performs regularly around the United States singing with a jazz trio.