Originally hailing from beautiful Prince Edward Island, Maria is a dynamic artist, coach, and educator whose journey is woven with a passion for voice, movement, contemporary art, and the science of existence and expression.
As a vocal coach, Maria is committed to facilitating creative spaces where individuals can explore the edges of their artistry. She invites singers to play with a variety of methods and vocal techniques, fostering the desired coordination of their instruments for enhanced resonance, precision, and versatility, with less effort and fatigue. Her customized instruction empowers artists to explore their beliefs and refine technical skills, broadening their stylistic capabilities and providing a diverse set of tools for performance and self-expression.
Maria is endlessly curious about the many intersections of the mind & body and how these intersections, often subconsciously, affect one's disposition, performance, wellbeing, and sense of self. In this curious pursuit, Maria is completing a Master of Science in the Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health at King's College London, focusing her research on the mental health benefits of vocalizing. This research builds on the Masters of Music in vocal performance Maria earned with First Class Honours at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. There, she learned from opera luminaries like Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, further honing her vocal capacity and artistry. Maria also holds an Post Graduate Artist Diploma from Western University in Canada, and has attended both the European Academy of Opera and the Canadian Operatic Arts Academy. Additionally, she is a Certified Personal Trainer with over a decade of professional experience, and is certified as both a Mental Health First Aider and Level 2 Vocal Health First Aider.
Beyond the academic realm, Maria has performed diverse roles ranging from Nancy in the New Zealand Opera Factory modern production of Benjamin Britten's, Albert Herring, to the baroque pants role, Ruggiero, in Handel's, Alcina, at Villon Puccini in Italy. In addition to classical music, Maria sings soul, pop, musical theatre, and folk music. She has been praised for her “gorgeous soprano (voice), compelling stage presence and detailed dramatic skills…” in Neptune Theatre’s production of Stan Rogers: A Matter of Heart. Other theatre credits include Robyn Hood: This Tale's Even Fairlier [Confederation Centre of the Arts (CCOA)], Aladdin: Another Fairly Tall Tale (CCOA), Harvest Moon Rising (The Guild), Anne and Gilbert (Harbourfront Theatre/Victoria Playhouse). Additionally, as the front-woman for the Motown cover band, The Motones, Maria belts out soulful classics, captivating audiences with her powerful voice.
Recognized for her influence in the arts community, Maria has been the recipient of the Fusion Charlottetown Influencer of the Year award and has received PEI Arts Grants for the creation of new artwork. As a creator, Maria has worked as a choreographer, assistant director, performer, and producer for various film and video projects. Maria has been a featured performer and producer of East Coast Music Award-winning music videos, and she was featured in the role of Newf Terri on the Canadian Comedy Award winner of "Best Web Series," Just Passing Through, directed by Jeremy Larter.
Looking ahead, Maria is excited about researching the neurobiology of singing for health and wellness, and aims to contribute to our understanding of how music and the singing voice can bring peace and transformation to individuals and society at large.