Music MAKER

ou might not expect country music’s next big star to hail from. The Columbia University–trained music educator has performed in wellknown venues across Nashville and opened for stars like Chris Janson, Maren Morris, and Big & Rich, but her classroom is her primary source of pride. “My students are very much a part of the process,” Francani says. “They actually voted for ‘I’ll Go’ to be released as the first single off my new album.” Next on the agenda? “I’ve been back in the studio recording more music, and I plan to release some new singles, an EP, and a full album soon.”