My Inspiration:
Music is an inspiring language, created by God, that can be used to effectively connect, bless, and serve others. I am dedicated to help my students see how extremely gratifying it is when they study music, put forth great effort in playing, and take advantage of the unique opportunities to delight the listener. My goal for these aspiring pianists is to help them grow in the many aspects of music, enhance their technical skills, and nurture their maturity as a person. I delight in the moments when my students grasp what they are learning, embrace being challenged, and thrive during lessons. ”Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.” ~Martin Luther
About Me:
My name is Maria! I am married to an incredible husband, Mama to the sweetest little boy, and I live in Brainerd, Minnesota!! I grew up in the beautiful State of Washington and yes, I love the rain. I moved to Texas when I married my husband in 2023. We made the big move to MN in 2024 and our sweet boy was born a few months later. My friends describe me as creative, sweet, talented, and ambitious. My family would agree, but they might also say I can be very funny, a thinker and someone who loves a good conversation. I love challenging myself to learn new things. I’m passionate about JESUS, my family, piano and teaching piano, photography and teaching photography, fishing, homemaking, the Fall season, Lattes, and board games. I started my photography business in 2015 and have loved meeting new people and capturing their special memories. Most weekends, you’ll find me with my little family, fishing, playing board games, or spending time with friends.
Musical History:
Maria studied music formally for 13 years and has taught piano for 15+ years, Her incredible teachers and mentors have left a deep and encouraging impact on her life. Maria dedicated four years to her advanced studies with Chris Rogers, at Rogers Piano Studio, based in Gig Harbor, WA. Her studies included: Pedagogy, classical music, sacred/improv, composition, accompaniment, theory, music history, and Maria completed the Teacher/Mentorship Program through Chris. Through online lessons, Maria studied pedagogy & classical repertoire with Joan Parker & Mark Parker, based in South Carolina, and hymn-improvisation with Neil Craig, based in Spokane, WA. She has participated in competitions, festivals, adjudications, masterclasses, and workshops. She participated as a church pianist for 8 years. Maria loves bringing music to the local retirement centers, playing for weddings, graduations, and accompanied the group, Joyful Sound, on occasion. Maria coordinated the Music & Arts Week in Lewis County from 2022-2023, which brought classes for all ages to learn different instruments and arts. She taught Photography & Piano at the Music and Arts Week. Maria left her piano studio of 45 students to move to Texas when she married her husband in 2023. She taught Zoom lessons and students during that time in Texas. She and her husband moved to Brainerd, MN in 2024 and she has resumed in-person piano lessons and Zoom lessons. Maria was a member of the MTNA (Music Teacher National Association), WSMTA (Washington State Music Teacher Association), and LCMTA (Lewis County Music Teacher Association) for 7 years. She served as Vice President to the LCMTA from 2020 - 2021 and served as President from May 2021 - June 2023. She was chairperson for multiple festivals and programs hosted for the LCMTA. Maria accepts students from beginner through advanced.
