Read Reviews about Maria ventura

With over forty years of experience as a voice and acting professional, many students, colleagues and parents have shared their experiences. 

What are students saying

"Expert instructor who instills confidence"

I have been taking lessons from Maria since 2008 when I was a junior in high school at Ursuline Academy. Prior to working with her, I had no formal vocal training, but had danced at the Otto M. Budig Academy of Cincinnati Ballet for 10 years. I had also been part of two musicals at Ursuline, but had only received roles as a dancer. Three months after I began training with Maria, I auditioned for Theatre Xavier’s production of CATS at St. Xavier High School. I received one of the principal roles, and from then on played leading roles at both St. X and Ursuline. I attribute my success in these endeavors to the expert instruction I received from Maria, as well as the confidence she instilled in me. After high school, I attended Xavier University where I again studied voice with Maria. One of the main reasons I chose to continue my education at Xavier was because I knew that I could keep studying with her. Maria kept challenging me with new repertoire, helping me hone my breathing and posture, and encouraging me to believe in my abilities. Throughout college I earned two Orchid Awards for my roles in community theatre productions, largely due to her instruction and support. Maria is an excellent teacher who not only has an extensive knowledge of vocal techniques, but also is able to clearly explain and demonstrate these techniques in our lessons. She does not try to make my singing sound like hers, but instead has taken the time to get to know the timbre of my voice so that she can help me fully utilize it. Maria is also an incredible mentor. She has always had faith in my skills and has strived to make me the best singer and performer that I can be. She has also selflessly opened opportunities for me to perform and work in the musical theatre field that I would not have had otherwise. Maria is truly the most dedicated, knowledgeable, and supportive music professional with whom I have worked, and I am grateful for all she has done for my benefit.
Elizabeth Zerhusen Pille, teacher- Mercy Montessori
B.S. Montessori Ed. Xavier University

Master's student

 Ms. Ventura provided a very nurturing, yet intense environment in which to study voice.  She provided me encouragement and support, yet always pushed me to work harder.  She assigned repertoire that challenged me but always caused me to grow. 
Ms. Ventura is excellent at meeting each student’s individual needs and tailoring her lessons to meet their goals.  She provides effective instruction for both the collegiate voice major and the high school student looking to try something new. 
Not only will she provide excellent instruction to students, she will be their greatest supporter. Since she is a working professional singer, she is able to give her students insight into what the life of a singer is really like and provide them with advice to help them succeed.  
Amanda Stansfield
Georgia State University, MM Vocal Performance 2020
BA Vocal Performance Xavier University, Class 2015

freshman student lands College solo

 Ms. Maria Ventura has been my voice teacher and coach all during high school. I am an alumnus of Mars Hill Academy, Cincinnati, Ohio. In my senior year I was given the role of Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music, our spring musical. I had never been in a musical. Ms. Ventura graciously offered to coach me and teach me the correct vocal approach, including working with the dialogue scenes. In private lessons Ms. Ventura taught me classical pieces, in particular, How Beautiful Are the Feet from Handel’s Messiah.
 I am now a student at Hillsdale College. My freshman year the college choir and orchestra performed the entire work of Handel’s Messiah. I auditioned for a solo with How Beautiful Are the Feet. The choir director, James Holleman, and the voice professors were surprised that I was only a freshman. They said I sounded well prepared, especially the ornamentations Ms. Ventura taught me. I was given this solo and performed it December 3, 2016. I fully credit Maria Ventura with the success of it and have Ms. Maria Ventura to thank!
Abigail Liebing
Hillsdale Class of 2020

"Inspiration & True Friend"

My name is Brandon Cole. I met Maria Ventura when I was a shy little 13-year-old who had only performed in Children’s Theater of Masomn’s Willy Wonka Jr…Maria showed me vocal exercises I have never even heard of before. The results were almost instantaneous. I was hitting notes I had never thought I could hit, and as time went by I could sing more mature and challenging songs…She taught me to control my breathing. I was unaware that singing was all from the breath. I was taught breathing exercises that helped me extend my range and control…without her teachings; I would never have been blessed with the roles I’ve portrayed. To name a few there is Jean Val Jean from Les Miserables, Jesus from Godspell, and Henry Higgins from My Fair Lady and The Beast, in Beauty and the Beast. I owe it all to her teachings and support. She is an inspiration and a true friend. Maria Ventura, Thank you.
Brandon Cole,  
Ohio University, Class of 2020

"Professionalism & Knowledge"

Maria Ventura displays knowledge of vocal technique and musical pedagogy. She genuinely cares about her students and their success. Without Ms. Ventura, I would never have the opportunity to learn music from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic Eras. Ms. Ventura’s lessons are fast-paced, but she always ensures that students have time to visualize and practice proper technique. She also draws on her experience as a professional musician, demonstrating what she wants her students to accomplish and then asking students to try themselves. Maria Ventura has always shown professionalism in the face of adversity, which is a quality that she models for her students. As a sophomore English Education Major, I was incredibly nervous about performing for others. Because of Maria Ventura’s calm, encouraging instructional methods and confidence in me, I was able to perform at the Spring Recital 2016. While I only needed one semester of voice lessons to fulfill the university’s requirements, I continued taking lessons from Ms. Ventura because of her passion for music and knowledge of how to teach the complexities of vocal performance, which makes learning from her a joy.
Michaela Gibbs
Xavier University Class 2018
 English Major, Secondary Education & Peace Studies Minors

"great teacher and person"

My name is Danielle Hutchinson. I studied with Maria Ventura my first two years as a voice major at Xavier University. Ms. Maria is an excellent teacher and taught me very well as a singer and performer. She expanded my register far beyond what I thought it could go which allowed me to project better and provided me with excellent repertoire. Ms. Ventura is very kind and always concerned about me as a person not only vocally but also as a college student. She advised me on several occasions to double major, taking all the advantages offered at Xavier University. The advice she gave me increased my confidence as a person and performer.
Maria Ventura is a great teacher and person.
Danielle Hutchinson
Music and Political Science Major, Class of 2019
Intern: Office of Mayor, Cincinnati, Ohio

What Parents are saying

Attentive, caring teacher

I have known Maria for over eleven years now. I have found her to be confident, consistent, and caring. Her confidence comes from her own vast experience of performing as well as teaching. I see consistency in her teaching style and dedication to her students. She is the most caring musician I’ve ever met. Maria, not only, gives her full attention to the lesson, but also sends follow-up materials, attends every event of her students (even if it’s not vocally related), and goes beyond the lesson to help students outside of their musical needs. Four of my own children have had lessons with Maria and they all highly respect her talent and abilities. They realize that she is the one instrumental in their personal singing successes. She has helped my children from the ages of 12 to 24, communicating well with each of them. Maria has also worked with our students at Mars Hill Academy to support our school musical performances: Beauty and the Beast, Pirates of Penance and The Sound of Music. She is professional and personable and an excellent vocal teacher.
Lisa Cunningham
Women’s Chorus Director Mars Hill Academy

CoProducer/CoDirector Summer Spotlight, Theater camps (2008-present)
 
 

home school enrichment ​

My daughter Caroline, age 15, has studied voice with Maria Ventura for the past two years. I have been very impressed with the progress Caroline has made during her time with Ms. Ventura. Caroline began studying with Ms. Ventura after participating for several years in community choirs and musicals. I noticed that my daughter was picking up bad voice habits in these environments. Caroline needed both inspiration and encouragement; her love for music was floundering. Ms. Ventura began teaching my daughter using familiar modern music from Broadway shows. After building my daughter’s confidence and trust, Ms. Ventura introduced Caroline to music in the classical style, and within six months my daughter began Mozart’s Alleluia. I was so pleased to see my daughter develop in technique and music appreciation. Her voice was developing maturity, and a whole new world of music was now appealing to her.
I highly recommend Maria Ventura as a voice instructor. She is not only skilled in technique, but she develops a rapport with her students to facilitate development of the student both musically and emotionally.
Leanna Tomlinson

Right teacher from the start

 Maria Ventura began teaching my daughter Claire in 2010, when Claire was 7 years. My husband Tim and I are both professional musicians in the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.  We wanted to be sure that Claire be with the “right” teacher from the start.  Maria worked with Claire on proper breathing techniques, correct diction as well as correct posture.  Maria taught Claire the classical repertoire, as well as making sure she sang Musical Theatre and Pop in a healthy way.  Claire was singing “Ave Maria”, and “Oh Holy Night” at the age of 9.  Maria always knew Claire had an exceptional talent and made sure to guide her… A few of Claire’s credits under Maria’s instruction include:
Mason Idol 2011 – First Place - $500. Cincinnati’s Got Talent 2011 – Grand Prize co-winner $1000 prize (The other co-winner was also one of Maria’s students, Taylor Brown from Xavier University!)
January of 2012, Claire auditioned for ANNIE on Broadway.  Claire made it to the final callback of 14 girls.  Claire then was cast locally as Annie in “ANNIE” with Beechmont Players. 
Claire was guest soloist with the Cincinnati Pop’s, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Dayton Band, and Cincinnati Brass Band.  Claire was “Mary Poppins” in the Disney Pilot done through the JMTI program at the CCM Prep Dept. Maria has been a tremendous teacher.  Claire has blossomed into a remarkable singer over the past 6 years.   Maria has prepared Claire for each of these performances and has always spent extra time with her making sure she felt comfortable.  We will always be grateful to Maria for all she has done for Claire and our family. 
Jennifer Northcut, Flautist
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra
 

college mother

My daughter, Danielle Hutchinson, is a Music Vocal Performance and Political Science Major at Xavier University. Maria Ventura has been a great asset to Danielle’s matriculation at Xavier. She has done a great job with increasing Danielle’s confidence as a performer. She has also increased her knowledge in the field of vocal music and the opportunities that are available to her. Danielle is at the point where we are looking into opportunities outside of school for the future. Maria is a great addition to our family and our plans for our daughter.

Debra S. Hutchinson, M.Ed.
 Doctoral student at University of Cincinnati Urban Educational Leadership Program
 

What Colleagues are saying

ventura students poised for success

I have known Maria since 1970. We were freshmen together at The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music as voice majors. We are now colleagues as voice instructors and church musicians. Maria has always been a superior talent as a singer. Shortly after college, where she studied under master teachers, Lucile V. Evans and Dr. Robert K. Evans, she began an operatic career in Brussels, performing leading mezzo-soprano roles. Even while in college, she was chosen as a soloist to perform with Robert Shaw in a performance of Handel’s Messiah. She is a wonderful musician and has performed many challenging works, including The Diary of One Who Vanished by Janacek. This was performed in the original language, which is unusual and difficult.
Maria has been teaching for years now at local universities and music schools. Her work is exemplary and the students come away with a solid technique and vocal health. She has brought her mentor and voice teacher, Lucile Evans, to teach master classes for her students and other studios in Cincinnati. I was able to participate and witness the students Maria had worked with in these classes. Some were just beginners, but others that had been working longer with Maria were impressive, to say the least! All were healthy, talented singers.
Maria Ventura has the experience and background to teach at any major university or music school. In addition to hearing her students, I have had first-hand knowledge of one of Maria’s students that started coaching with me the past year.  As a 13-year-old soprano, Claire Northcut came to me with a solid technique as a classical singer, and a safe approach to music theater belting.
In summery, I give my highest recommendation to Maria Ventura as both a singer and a voice instructor.
​
J. William Seale
Lecturer in Voice – The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
Director of Music – The Presbyterian Church of Wyoming, Wyoming, Ohio
Director of “The Valley Concert Series” Wyoming, Ohio

sound vocal technique

I find her approach to teaching to be the most correct and sound technique of any colleague I have ever worked with. In addition, her knowledge of operatic, oratorio and art song literature for all voice types is exemplary. I would feel completely confident sending any singer to Ms.
Ventura for voice instruction.
She is one of the most dedicated, responsible , reliable and hard working voice instructors I have worked with in my twenty-two years of college teaching. Ms. Ventura is serious about her teaching, her own artistry and has a very nurturing and caring demeanor toward both her students and her colleagues. 

Dawn M Harris,
Voice Instructor, Co-Director of Opera Studio
The University of Illinois

SUpportive, experienced teacher

Ms. Ventura's students have shown tremendous growth and motivation to learn and practice. She is a model of a consummate musician, supportive teacher, and fine colleague. Ms. Ventura also has had outstanding experience on international and regional stages as a mezzo-soprano. I have many accolades for Ms. Ventura and I highly recommend her as a person and teacher of the highest quality.

​Benjamin William Smolder
Assistant Professor of Voice Performance
Miami University, Oxford, Ohio

Inspiring & Motivating Voice Teacher

 Maria is articulate, enthusiastic, encouraging, and very knowledgeable inspiring and motivating the students at each session.
While studying at Illinois State University herself, Maria had the opportunity to assist in the direction of opera scenes which she did excellently. She is organized in her planning and delivers her directions clearly producing a well executed performance. In fact, subsequent to her graduation from ISU, I invited her back to guest direct other opera scenes for our Opera Practicum class which she executed with great passion and flair.
I give Maria Ventura the highest recommendation and urge you to partake of her expertise. 

Dr. J. Michelle Vought
Professor of Voice and Opera
Illinois State University

​Creative & Enthusiastic

Students enjoy working with Professor Ventura because they realize that she has their success as her personal
goal, and has the talent and experience to guide them. These students are bright, talented and they demand excellence.
The voice faculty has thoroughly enjoyed her creativity and her enthusiasm for teaching and passion for
performance. She is a model for creative problem solving, of being able to discern when or when not to speak, and is always a fount of collegial humor and respect.

Dr. Linda J. Farquharson
University of Illinois DMA alum in Conducting with voice cognate
Professor of Music
Illinois Wesleyan University