London based teacher, offering singing lessons for all levels. Experienced in Singing and Musical Theatre.

Find out more about Maria

• 1) When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  Since I was 6 years old I was singing non stop so I started by performing in school, events and concerts, to later do live gigs and events where I would sing both in groups and later go solo. My favourite instrument is my voice and that is a tool I continue to work with and develop.

• 2) Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  Yes, I love Sophie Faith! As well as some classics like Billy Joel and jazz / funk singers.

• 3) Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  How to connect your voice with emotions in order to get the best out of your voice! Often people assume those two things are different, whereas they are highly linked and so it's often tricky to establish that connection. However, once some direction combined with certain tools and exercises come in harmony, the outcome can be rather beautiful and effective.

• 4) What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  I believe the piano would be my answer. It requires doing multiple things at once and that requires a whole other skillset and practice, on top of playing the actual instrument.

• 5) What are your keys to success?

  Consistency, drive and being able to be accepting of where you are now vs where you want to be later on without judgement.

• 6) Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  Jorja Smith, Sophia Faith and Ariana Grande as they all possess one common factor. They are able to create and write their own music and now rely on others and so it would be interesting to find out how and where they started and the journey they went on in order to become professional singers.

• 7) Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  A valuable anecdote about really being aware of your voice! I was at drama school and one of our exercises was to pick a song to sing which we liked. Well, I remember choosing a song that was one of my favourites, but my voice wasn't quite there yet, so singing it was rather difficult and didn't sound so good! I was told to find a song that was more suitable to me and what matched my voice. I did that it sounded much better and I continued to slowly build up to the first song in my own time until I could finally sing it. I guess the valuable anecdote here is don't go for too big of a plate just because you want to, as you may not be ready. Sometimes, baby steps are more effective.

• 8) What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  I would say the variety in my experience of both performing and training. I have performed on stage, have done recordings, live bands, chorals and small venues. I have trained and performed in jazz, pop, mellow pop, pop/rock, musical theatre and funk as well as legit and pop. All these styles and the various performing platforms have allowed me to be able to adjust my voice accordingly and so when I am with a student, I am able to help them reach exactly the niche they are looking for.