Learn songs from the classic French Café Music repertoire (Piaf, Trenet, Montand, Gainsbourg, Brassens, etc.), as well as more modern French songs!

Every week we learn and sing two new songs. These may be famous or obscure, waltzes, foxtrots, tangos, political songs, romantic songs, happy songs, or broken heart songs. I will read, explain, and translate the lyrics, talk about where the song comes from, its social, political, and historical context, and highlight any hidden references: All stuff you won't find on Wikipedia. Then, of course, we sing. We'll learn the melody together and work on the pronunciation. In the end, you'll even improve your French!

While knowing some basics of French is helpful, don’t worry, I'll help you with the pronunciation. Many people who have taken the class don't speak French at all. No prior experience in singing, playing an instrument, or music theory is required. I'll send the lyrics and chord charts of the song for each week, along with links so you can listen to the song ahead of time.

(In case you're skeptical: yes online classes work fine. I, as well as other Freight teachers, have done it for a while. And added bonus: if you're shy, nobody will hear you, other than your roommates!)

From previous students:

"The class was fun! Olivier is an excellent teacher, singer and musician."

"It was well structured for both, more confident and less experienced French speakers ."

"Olivier was very responsive and engaging and a delightful musician who clearly knew his stuff."

Olivier Zyngier

Olivier is a native French speaker, born and raised in Paris, and a local performer of French music with the Bistro Moustache band. He is one of the original founders of the Baguette Quartette and has played all over the Bay Area for many years. He also leads the Swing Jam and teaches Swing Guitar at the Freight.