THE HUMAN VOICE IS A MIRACLE. IN ITS MARVELOUS VERSATILITY, IT HAS THE UNIQUE CAPABILITY OF COMMUNICATING THE ENTIRE SCOPE OF THE HUMAN CONDITION: FROM BASIC HOMEOSTASIS TO THE MOST MINUTE NUANCE OF AFFECT.

Maria Alejandra Quintanilla has been dedicated to researching and applying techniques for exemplary vocal health, adaptability, and longevity for over a decade. She regards holistic health as the primary foundation of her teaching, followed by superlative freedom of expression. She incorporates a whole-body approach to vocal work, drawing inspiration and using principles from disciplines such as Somatic Voicework™ - The LoVetri Method, The Feldenkrais Method®, and Alexander Technique, tailoring lessons to meet the singular needs of individual clients. Maria is committed to de-mystifying the singular act of singing by empowering vocalists to be masters of their craft, gaining a more profound perception of the art of singing as founded on irrefutable scientific laws.

Maria is a Doctorate of Musical Arts candidate at the University of Miami and serves as teaching assistant to Dr. Kate Reid. She holds a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from the State University of New York Purchase. She taught weekly masterclasses on vocal pedagogy as the Vocal Performance Teaching Artist for the Cultural Immersion Arts Abroad Program. Maria has an established private studio located in Miami for individuals of all ages and abilities, amateur to professional in any style or genre, and a growing online studio for clientele around the world and Miami-based students who prefer the convenience of online learning.

All lessons are currently held online via ZOOM, Skype, or FaceTime. Please fill out the contact form to learn more.

 STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

“I have worked with Maria for over 4 years now. Before that, I had never taken any private voice coaching. Now, 4 years later, I cannot imagine working with anyone else who would provide the balance of freedom and structure her approach offers. Maria has the education, intellect, temperament, experience, and spirit to coach and offer lessons to a musician or vocalist at any level. It continues to be a privilege to have the opportunity to work with her.’”

– CHEIKU, NEW YORK

“I started taking lessons with Maria after observing the incredible progress my husband made after working with her for just a short time. I have had many voice lessons with several different teachers over the years but Maria is by far the best voice coach I have ever had. From the very beginning of my first lesson, Maria managed to not only teach proper technique, but also offered up the space to be free of tension and stress. She patiently taught me to be in the moment and just sing! Maria has found the perfect way to push me just enough so I continue to learn but she also reminds me to be patient with myself. As long I show up and do my best, the rest will come together. She's right! I am enjoying hearing the more grounded tones and soaring high notes that I never thought my voice was capable of producing. Yes, Maria makes me get in the WORK. But she also makes sure that there is a lightness to it. After every lesson I am left with a sense of excitement and anticipation to come back the next week to immerse myself in music and continue to learn more!’”

– NICOLE, NEW YORK

“I can't think of any vocal teacher who believes in a students’ musical potential like Maria. She helped me expand my vocal range, textures and expressions tremendously, all within a short period of time. With her knowledge and experiences, she helped me overcome my difficulties. She always suggested new ways of trying different vocal exercises. Her way of teaching was tailored towards my needs which included the recording of my first solo album. Maria is not only a genuine, nurturing, and authentic teacher, but is also an accomplished vocalist whose voice touches peoples’ hearts. Voice lessons with her are something that I look forward to and recommend strongly.’”

– KOTOE, JAPAN

“I’ve been taking classes with Maria for about 2 years and it was and is purely a pleasure. Maria helped me get rid of tension that I couldn’t overcome for many years. My sound is now free, grounded and confident. Maria is a very committed, supportive and involved teacher – you can be sure that you won’t be left unheard or misunderstood. She addresses each particular issue that you might personally have with great attention; she tailors every exercise to address your specific concerns/requests – not with a plain formal list of standard exercises. I admire her organizational skills – keeping track of student’s progress, planning the classes ahead, and choosing the songs that you might love. I have quite a vast experience of taking vocal classes here in US and back in Russia and I may say that Maria is one of the best teachers I have ever had (the second is in Russia ). I’m so grateful and happy that I met Maria and I would recommend her classes to everyone.’”

– LIDIA, NEW YORK

“The minute I met Maria we had an instant connection. She is patient, professional and helped me tremendously in the time I trained with her. Maria tailored vocal exercises to my strengths and weaknesses and worked with me on the repertoire I chose. Even when I wasn’t feeling especially motivated, she inspired me to be the best I could be. After just a few weeks, my voice and overall singing improved tremendously. All of my friends noticed the improvement. I would recommend Maria for all levels of singing. She brings her enthusiasm and experience to the lesson and it rubs off on everyone that meets her. She is loved by everyone. If you have the opportunity to have her as a vocal teacher, you are a very fortunate person!’”

– IRMA, CALIFORNIA

“It was a great honor for me to go to the United States for the 2018 Arts Abroad Program. I met Maria, an excellent teacher who is rigorous and careful in class and has greatly benefited me. In China, teachers meticulously follow the music score and the prescribed rhythm so as to avoid mistakes. Contrastingly, my experience with Maria went beyond the notes on the page. She was more cultivated and trained for music interpretation and expression. She would elevate the music, freely improvise on her inner feelings at that time! Maria would sing different melodies according to the accompaniment in class and urge the students to imitate and improvise; this is very rare in China! I truly believe that if you work with Maria, she can help you reach your full potential!’”

– LEILANI, CHINA