Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From age four and older I craved learning different instruments. I started on piano and eventually learned saxophone, trumpet, violin, viola, mellophone, and trombone. My parents usually could not afford music teachers, so I would simply grab a book from the band room at school and teach myself until I could play well. In addition to playing in the band at school, I participated in the San Diego Youth Symphony for several years, and also marched Drum Corps. After a near fatal car accident in high school, I was no longer able to play most of those instruments due to the pain they caused me. After about a year without playing a single note, I miracuously won a Big Baby Taylor Guitar during a raffle contest at a school event. I had never considered learning guitar before, but now that I had one, I thought I'd give it a try. The guitar was much less painful to play, and I had discovered a special love for this instrument that I had never felt for the others. The guitar helped me rediscovered music, and I found a love for composition.

The motivation behind every song I write comes from my love for life. From almost dying in that accident I was shoved into realizing how beautiful life truly is. To be alive was the greatest gift I could ever have. I promised myself to find the blessings in every experience, whether that experience be positive or negative. From the negative we can become stronger, and from the positive we are encouraged to keep going. Being able to see the beauty in all situations fills me with a sense of peace, and a knowledge that I can make it through whatever life gives me. I want my music to help others recognize the beauty that surrounds every day, and that there is light in all experiences. Writing music became a huge part of my life when I realized that this passion, and positive energy, I felt could not be magnified to its' true depth without a melody to express it. I believe that everyone needs that melody to sometimes accurately portray what they feel inside, and I hope that my music gives all people that chance to express themselves more fully. Life is the journey to becoming a better person, and my path is music.

My first album " Mi Vida Bonita," or, "My Beautiful Life," is being released on February 14th, 2008. This album was inspired by the experiences I have had in life, and is completely instrumental. All instrumentation was written and performed by me, and the entire album was recorded independently in my husband's home studio. Though this album was completely instrumental, I am currently working on my next album which will include lyrics.

I addition to composing and performing, I also teach full time. I currently have about forty students each week that range in age from three to sixty years old. I primarily teach piano and guitar, however, I do offer trumpet and violin lessons as well.
I have my degree in music, and also an ASCAP Singer/Songwriter.
My album Mi Vida Bonita was released on February 14th @ The Whisky a Go Go.
God Bless,
Maria