Francis Coates on SoundBetter

Composer and pianist ready to collaborate with you to create something truly unique for your project. My works have been commissioned throughout the United States and Europe. I specialize in contemporary orchestral jazz and have access to some of the best musicians on the planet to make your music sound amazing.

I am a pianist and composer based out of Philadelphia, PA. I have arranged music for a variety of artists and media, specializing in contemporary music and orchestral jazz. I have been commissioned by the Slovenian National Opera and Ballet as well as Ballet in Revier in Germany. I have an extensive virtual instrument library and a professional studio that I work from. For an additional cost, I can record live instrumentation or can use a combination of both. I specialize in orchestral arrangements and can also provide horn arrangements for pop, hip-hop, or r&b projects.

I am easy to work with and will provide as many adjustments as necessary until you are 100% satisfied.

Would love to hear from you. Click the contact button above to get in touch.

Credits

2 Reviews

Endorse Francis Coates

by Ronald Judge
Francis has been one of the greatest musicians I have ever played and worked with. I call him a musical advocate because it's more than just tracks, and songs. It's an extension of himself that he puts in everything he creates, whether it's his music or someone else's.
Francis has a great amount of versatility when playing, composing, orchestrating, and producing in any genre of his choosing. His musicality is phenomenal and his love for the music is unwavering. You won't regret hiring him!
by Darryl Jackson Jr.
Playing with Francis is always a great experience! Always plays his part but adds his flavor to brighten up the music. He is very professional and treats your music as his own. Not only a great musician/composer but a great team player, and friend!

Interview with Francis Coates

Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My style is very eclectic. I am a very thematic writer.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Contemporary and orchestral jazz.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I am very flexible. I do not suffer from pride of authorship so if something doesn't sound right, I make any adjustment necessary.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I start by getting notes from the producer/director on what they are looking for and listen to any references provided. I upload the media into my DAW and start sketching on piano. Once I have the piano sketch, I will follow up with the producer/director to see if they approve of the musical theme and make any adjustments as needed. Once approved, I move into the next phase of orchestrating and send updates to client throughout the process. Once the score is approved, I typically use a combination of virtual and live instrumentation on the final score depending on the instrumentation and the preference of the client, although most clients are blown away by the virtual instruments. Once mixed and mastered, I send the final product to the client.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I use both Pro Tools and Logic. I compose in logic and use Pro Tools for recording, mixing, and mastering. I use a variety of virtual instruments from East West Sounds: Symphonic Orchestra, Hollywood Orchestra, Voices of the Opera, Voices of Soul, Fab Four, and Goliath to name a few. When recording piano, I use my Yamaha C3 grand piano.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I am a huge fan of composer/trumpeter Terence Blanchard. I am also inspired by Philip Glass, Oscar Peterson and Hans Zimmer.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I specialize in contemporary classical and orchestral jazz and am hired most frequently for those types of projects. I am also hired frequently for string and horn arrangements.