About

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Maria was born in Wakefield and began singing at the age of 5 under the tutorship of Gordon Pearce. From a young age Maria was competing locally and by the age of 11 she was the winner of the Sunderland Competition in Yorkshire & Humberside three times running. Maria went on to compete successfully at National Level and by the age of 11 she commenced a life long learning partnership with Jean Allister who remained her tutor until she was awarded a full scholarship to the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in 1987. 

During this time she received international training as an Operatic Soprano from Ryland Davies, Sherill Milnes and Elizabeth Soderstrom and performed Titania - A Midsummer Nights Dream, Countess - Marriage of Figaro, Mimi - a Boheme as well as undertaking short performances and masterclasses. She was awarded the Frederick Cox scholarship in 1989.

Maria left the RNCM in 1991 and commenced her Operatic career where she sang internationally for a number of years for New Zealand Opera and undertook roles such as Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus and again Countess in Marriage of Figaro. Maria retuned to the UK to perform mainly in Oratorio, private solo performances including engagements for HRH Duchess of Kent. Maria now teaches full time supporting a select number of students in the UK and Europe. Maria has proudly taught a number of recent singers who have commenced successful and exciting careers in the UK and internationally.

Maria still holds workshops for choral soloists and choirs and has a number of gifted child students in the UK

Maria is skilled in technique, form, the structure of the voice as an instrument and over the last decade has dedicated her musical life to teaching. 

In her own words, "the infrastructure is the most important aspect of singing - posture, breathing and focus"

Maria is a dedicated musician and welcomes all voices of all ages, you just need to be committed to learning and developing your instrument.

Maria has limited spaces for new students, but if you wish to enquire about lessons, masterclass events or intensive weekly sessions please use the contact page to get in touch.

During the Summer months Maria holds a Summer School  and residentials in and around Hebden Bridge in the Calder Valley and these are always sold out - so it is wise to book in advance.

Maria will be inviting Sheila Conolly - International Soprano and vocal studies teacher in the Netherlands to masterclass at the Summer School in 2022 and more details will be available in the New Year.