Teacher Biography

A.Maria is a gifted and accomplished pianist of over 25 years. She started at the age of 6, playing by ear on the small piano donated to her family. She subsequently began taking lessons at the local Community Center of the Arts, which she continued throughout her elementary years. During that time she won numerous scholarships, played many recitals, and performed at the local Symphony Hall. She also took violin lessons at the center as well as at the public school.

She then attended the local Performing Arts High School. There she continued her music education with courses such as orchestration and music appreciation. She played the violin in the orchestra, advancing to "second chair" of the "first string" section by her senior year and performing solos. She also sang and played piano for the Girls Glee Club, and sang in the Gospel Choir. During those years A.Maria played the piano for her local church's sunday school and devotional services. She also continued her lessons at the center, adding harp lessons. She performed at public shool graduations, church socials, and talent shows.

After high school A.Maria chose to attend an Engineering College. She continued her music education even then, taking courses such as Basic and Advanced Harmony, and singing and performing with the school's chorus. Upon graduating, she began pursuing her engineering career. During that time she continued playing the piano, at various churches.

A.Maria then took over the music for Reach Out for Christ Church in NY where she was responsible for all the music activities for the church. She continued there for 4 years, leading "praise & worship", leading and instructing the singers and the band, directing the choir, organizing concerts and talent shows, playing for weddings, accompanying soloists, helping local up-and-coming artists produce their recordings, and generally providing music whenever the church needed it. She also began teaching private lessons during that time.

Now, A.Maria runs her own studio. She is also called upon from time to time for weddings and church services, and to accompany soloists.

A.Maria is a member of the New York chapter of the MTNA (Music Teachers National Association).