H.A. Hang: John Francisco of Mister John's Music

The coolest part of our business has always been our clients. We’re amazed by all they do: CEOs and business owners, world travelers, authors, inventors, healers, entrepreneurs, newscasters, artists, pro athletes, musicians, caretakers, and philanthropists. 

We launched this series to share the stories of our clients and form connections within the H.A. community. Enjoy!

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Home Appétit: People rave about your classes. What makes them special?
John Francisco: We use a lot of popular music. Babies don’t really care what the songs are so we use that to engage parents and caregivers. The more engaged they are, the more engaged the infant or toddler is.

We also build in weekly social-emotional lessons—around sharing, kindness, metacognition—and we focus on community. Parents are in one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives: they’re sleep-deprived, in love in a new way, learning a whole new skill. We want to give them a sense of, “You belong here. These people are going through the same thing as you. Go grab a coffee together, make a friend, and get through it together.”

How did you start hosting music classes for children? 
I had been working as an actor in Chicago, but my day job was at a music school called Old Town School of Folk Music. I came to visit some friends in Philly and I was looking for my next adventure. I thought, “Let’s see what it is to run my own program.”

At first, the plan was just to teach a few early childhood classes and focus on being a generative artist. But it took on a life of its own and that’s how we got to where we are today.

Why did you feel like Philadelphia was the right place for your business?
Chicago already had Old Town School of Folk Music, where I had been working, and their Wiggleworms program was really the dominant early childhood program at the time. Philly had Settlement Music School, but it didn’t have the same kind of robust early childhood program. So I thought I could create my own version of it. 

What's your musical background?
I’ve been playing music since I was a kid. I started piano lessons when I was five. In my 20s I was working with kids, especially kids with special needs. Music has always been an important part of my life. My degrees are in theater and psychology with a focus on child development.

Why do you think this work has called to you?
The goal of the company is belonging. I want kids, babies, adults—everyone—to feel like the studio is a second home. A place where they can be vulnerable, express themselves and know they’ll always be treated with kindness and respect.

The arts are built for connection. If we can get people in a room together, smiling, talking and asking questions, then maybe we can problem-solve and connect on a deeper level.

What’s something people might not expect about running Mister John’s?
Honestly? It’s still pretty much a one-man show. I have a wonderful admin team of three and incredible teachers, but I’m still doing the touch-up painting, I’m still the one who handles special requests.

And there’s the emotional commitment. Right now I’m leading a kids’ ensemble of 10-year-olds—some of whom I’ve known since they were babies. These kids aren’t just students. They’re incredibly important people in my life.

How many locations are you running now?
We have two official homes: Philadelphia and Atlanta. Then we’ve got satellite locations in Chestnut Hill, the Main Line, Moorestown, Haddonfield, and Wilmington. Our business is all about creating community and that requires me being present. But we’re trying to reach as many people as possible.

What’s the structure like—are classes drop-in or ongoing?
For early childhood, it’s an eight-week session. Families can set up a free trial first to make sure it’s a good fit. We also run instrument classes for adults and kids that go through the school year.

Our curriculum has a consistent structure—drums to start, a main song, movement, props, the treasure box—because sequencing builds trust and helps kids understand scheduling. But teachers can choose the social-emotional lesson of the week, and we rotate artists and props. I always say my retirement is in baby music toys!

You’re celebrating 10 years of the business this year—congratulations! What does that milestone mean to you?
It’s wild. We’re marking it with our Halloween parties this October—one for the grown-ups and one for the kids. It’s a celebration of 10 years, which is a huge accomplishment. I’m proud of it.