“Art is most successful when it promotes diverse experiences, understanding, healing and equality within our communities. We should always challenge the kinds of stories we tell and why we tell them.”
Publications
Maria Maxfield, "Physical Touch in the Voice Studio; A Closer Look," Journal of Singing, Volume 80 no. 2 (Nov/Dec. 2023)
Curriculum Vitae
DMA; University of Southern California Thornton School of Music
2023
Los Angeles, CA
Vocal Arts; Opera Directing and Vocology
The Metropolitan Opera
2018-Present
New York City, NY
Ensemble Member Chorus - Soprano
Contracted per show for the full run of performances; Nabucco, Tannhäuser, Turandot, Peter Grimes, Don Carlo, Medea, Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, Idomeneo, Lohengrin, Die Meistersinger, Verdi Requiem, Mozart Requiem, Boris Gudonov, Don Carlo, Orfeo ed Euridice, Samson et Dalila, Mefistofele, Otello.
The American Opera Project
July & August, 2022
Brooklyn, NY
Woman 1
Leading soprano role in The American Opera Project’s newly commissioned Letters You Will Not Get by composer Kirsten Volness at the Irondale Theater. The opera utilizes a libretto of real letters of women from around the world who were impacted by World War I.
Private Voice Studio - Maria Maxfield
2010-Present
New York City, NY
Private Voice Instructor
Maintain a private voice studio both in person and online, with students who range in age and experience as professional singers and non-professional singers. Students are instructed in the fundamentals of breath control, resonance, diction and stage presence. Instruction given in classical, musical theater and contemporary and pop styles. My teaching is centered in evidence based vocal pedagogy and the experience and expertise that I’ve gained throughout my singing career.
California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA)
2023
Los Angeles, CA
Voice Instructor
Voice faculty member for the California State Summer School for the Arts, an audition based four week intensive for high school students in the arts. Provided private weekly voice lessons and daily masterclass workshops for singers in classical, contemporary and musical theater. Auditioned, prepared and directed students in a final showcase performance.
Tulsa Opera
2023
Tulsa, OK
Assistant Stage Director
Assistant stage director to Tara Faircloth with Tulsa Opera on their production of Into The Woods by Stephen Sondheim.
Intimacy Directors and Coordinators
2022-2023
New York, NY
Consent Forward Artist
Completed the necessary training to receive certification as a consent forward artist from theIntimacy Directors and Coordinators organization. Training is centered on power dynamics,consent, safety, communication and equality within artistic workplaces.
University of Southern California Thornton School of Music
2022
Los Angeles, CA
Thornton Chamber Opera Into The Woods, Stage Director
As a capstone project to my doctorate degree, I prepared a condensed version of Into The Wood by Stephen Sondheim, auditioned students, staged and directed the production, and presented two live performances.
University of Southern California Thornton School of Music
2020-2022
Los Angeles, CA
Head Teaching Assistant and Teaching Assistant; Vocal Arts
Worked as a private vocal instructor for non-majors and minor vocal arts students in classical voice and musical theater. Vocal instruction load of 6 hours per week in addition to teaching a 2 unit course on the introduction to the fundamental principles of singing for non-major students. Duties included coordinating student schedules, preparing assignments and grading, vocal instruction, and preparation for performance.
Art Smart
2019-2021
New York City, NY
Voice Instructor
Private vocal instructor for non-profit organization ArtSmart. Their mission is to transform the lives of youth in under-resourced communities across the US through tuition-free music lessons and mentorship by paid, professional artists.
Doctorate Areas of Focus
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