I need vocal coaching to improve my singing technique – breath control, support, tone production, resonance, blending the high and low ranges. Maya is an excellent teacher for me as she incorporates dance moves with singing technique which help me to visualize the association between the body and the voice and how they are both integrated.

She also helps me to take care of my voice and prepare for performances of my songs. I have developed a deep bond and trust in her and the results show in my singing voice and the compliments I receive!!

~ Sylvia Schmidt, Calgary

I started singing with Maya around the age of 8 or 9 years old. I initially came to her because conventional voice lessons and choir practices had left me frustrated, uninspired and insecure about my vocal performance.

My mother knew I needed something that would bring back my confidence and love of singing in front of people, so she removed me from the stress ridden and ridicule laden environment of competitions and exams and sent me to Maya, who emphasized a playful and lighthearted approach to an otherwise serious study of the vocal arts.

We knew right away her coaching was multidisciplinary because I was first introduced to Maya when she was one of my dance teachers at the School of Alberta Ballet. Not only is she a talented musician, but also a gifted dancer and choreographer. Mayas coaching emphasized a focus on all parts of the body and mind and how they impact one another. This training was both unconventional (by most north American standards) and very effective for me.

It was a slow process for me to overcome my stage fright but the nonjudgmental and encouraging environment Maya helped build around me allowed me to take more risks and come out of my shell. First I would only sing for her, then my mother… then other students and before I knew it I was anxious to have an audience once again. Maya’s voice training not only helped me to be a better singer over all, but she helped me find a confidence and a way to ground myself that I would not have discovered otherwise.

It sounds cliché, but she really did help me find my voice. And for that, I will forever be grateful.

Johanne Young, Professional Musician and Dancer

Maya is a warm, enthusiastic and skilled teacher who brings out the best in me! She has a way of making singing fun and not intimidating. We start with warm up exercises that involve movement and making all kinds of crazy sounds. This teaches me to use all parts of the body involved in singing – the diaphragm, lungs, throat and sinus chambers – and more.

The aim is to create an instrument out of my body. I’ve never taken singing lessons before and I find that the technique interesting and enjoyable. I’ve made wonderful progress and have moved from singing alone in my car to tunes that I like to singing with my friends in class!

~ Susan Ferner, Calgary