How Mister John’s Music Is Building Belonging Through Music in Philly

by Rachel Hazzard
April 21, 2026

Founded in 2015 by John Francisco, Mister John’s Music has grown from a one-person operation into a beloved community hub where children and families across Philadelphia can connect, create, and express themselves through music.

After working at Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago and spending time as an actor and educator for children on the autism spectrum, Francisco saw an opportunity to build something unique in Philadelphia. Originally, his goal was simple: teach 20 classes a week and spend the rest of his time as a generative artist. But as more families sought him out, Mister John’s Music quickly evolved. “I kept saying yes when the community asked for things (instrument classes, private lessons, new locations, etc.) and all of a sudden I had a storefront and a staff,” Francisco said.

Today, Mister John’s Music offers early childhood classes, private lessons, ensemble programs, open mics, and more. Along the way, John realized that the business was about more than music instruction — it was about creating a place where people feel like they belong.

“What I really wanted was to create a place of belonging for people – connection, creativity, expression through the arts,” Francisco said.

That sense of community helped Mister John’s Music navigate one of its biggest challenges: the COVID-19 pandemic. The team quickly adapted by creating online content for early childhood classes, offering virtual lessons, and even building an outdoor classroom so students could safely gather again.

The business thrives because of its investment in people. “We’re constantly asking what our patrons want and need, and pivot to try to give it to them,” said Francisco. “And we check-in – with each other, with our community – because we as an organization genuinely care about each other.  I and my teachers think of our kids as OUR kids – it takes a village and Philly is DEFINITELY a village.”

One of John’s proudest moments comes every month during Mister John’s Music’s open mic nights, where students of all ages and skill levels are celebrated. “We open the windows of the large classroom so people walking by can stop and hear a song and celebrate with us,” Francisco said. “I cry every open mic because I’m so proud of these kids.”

One especially meaningful moment came when a former student, now in his twenties, returned to watch his younger sister perform. “It reminded me of the privilege it is to get to see our Philly kids grow up and be their musical mentors,” Francisco said. “I hope one day they bring their own kids to [Mister John’s Music] too.”

When asked what his favorite part of the job was, there was no hesitation. “The kids, hands-down. The babies and the kids,” Francisco said. “The very best part of my job is teaching Kids Ensemble. These are kids that I held as babies in our early childhood classes. They’ve all taken years of classes and lessons and now they’re in bands communicating through music. They’re enthusiastic and intelligent and passionate about music and it makes all of the challenges of running a business completely worth it.”

Francisco hopes every child who comes through Mister John’s Music leaves knowing that music can always be a source of comfort. “When they’re struggling to work through a life moment or an emotion, when they’re feeling alone and want to feel connected to others, when words just aren’t enough, I hope our kids remember that music is there for them,” Francisco said.

Mister John’s Music recently turned to PIDC for support after rising interest rates on an SBA loan made it difficult to stay ahead of mortgage payments for its new building.

“PIDC and M&T Bank came to our rescue,” Francisco said. “Both organizations worked together to help us find a path towards fiscal sustainability.” With support from PIDC and M&T Bank, Mister John’s Music finalized a new loan earlier this year that has already helped position the business for future growth. Since then, the business has hired four new teachers, is exploring ways to provide additional benefits to staff, and hopes to pay off the building sooner with lower mortgage payments.

Looking ahead, Francisco is focused on expanding classes, adding more private lesson rooms, and continuing to create more opportunities for students and families.

And he says there’s always room for a little more magic. “I have a current dream to partner with other community organizations to start a Halloween parade in Philly down 8th Street someday… who knows…?”

Investment provided by Community Capital