'Circling Voices' (2021-ongoing)
Singing as a tool for social healing & peacebuilding
Making and listening to sound can help us recover a sense of place, safety and our inner and collective voices, as sound expands in circles, in all possible directions and allows us to connect with past, present and future. Additionally, singing can regulate our breathing, and activate the parasympathetic nervous system and the vagus nerve. These bodily changes can return us to a feeling of safety and calm the fight or flight response.
‘Circling Voices’ is a singing workshop I have developed throughout the last 2 years, based on my Master’s Dissertation from SOAS, University of London (Distinction, fully funded Chevening Scholarship by UK's FCDO), called ‘Singing as a tool for social healing and peacebuilding; Analyzing the case of the Red de Cantadoras del Pacífico Sur, Colombia’.
In this workshop, we learn my song "Santa Mar" and explore the findings of my research through a series of collective vocal and listening exercises on the six main ways in which singing can be a tool for social healing: circularity, multi-directionality, multi-temporality, recovery of a sense of place, safety, and voice. These exercises will enable participants to experience through their bodies, the power of their voice to heal themselves and others around them.
"Santa Mar" is a song inspired in the tradicional Afro-Colombian rhythm of currulao and born from the process with the women from the Red de Cantadoras del Pacífico Sur. It's inspired in these women's resilience and power, and its dedicated to them. I had the immense privilege of singing it with them and released it in my latest album "A Flor De Piel".
The theoretical framework of this research is based on the theories ‘Healing is Aural’ by John Paul Lederach and Angela Jill Lederach, and ‘The Body Keeps the Score’ by Bessel Van Der Kolk, found in the books: ‘When Blood and Bones Cry Out: Journeys Through the Soundscape of Healing and Reconciliation' by the Lederach's and ‘The Body Keeps The Score’ by Van Der Kolk.
Recently delivered at:
Latinx Takeover at the V&A Museum, Spitalfields Music as part of the Music Leader Scheme,
UCL, SOAS, University of London, La Linea Festival and WOMAD Festival.
What participants say:
"I just wanted to take a moment to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the incredible singing workshop you shared with us. It was truly a priceless gift to our community. Your gentle way of engaging and encouraging everyone was so impressive—people felt truly seen, supported, and uplifted.
The conversation that followed provided a safe space for honest and intimate reflection, far beyond what we expected. You created an environment where people felt comfortable opening up, and we’re all better for having shared that time with you.
Thank you, Maria, for bringing such love and wisdom into our space. We are so grateful for you!
Con mucho amor y gratitud!"
Photos by: Genevieve Reeves at Latinx Takeover - V&A East Museum, September 2024 - London, UK
community songwriting
lead facilitator
It was a huge pleasure to lead the co-creation process of this amazing song with the Latin community.
Reflecting on the importance of having reclaimed the 7 Sisters Market (London) after years of resistance from the community.
The relevance of this space for all of us is immense, and this song is a celebration of its recovery and a dedication to everyone who has resisted for years so that this place can exist! Here's to many more years of flavor and community!
Available on all digital platforms!
A project of the University of Derby, funded by the British Academy.
'Colombia Colores'
fundraising, Project design & delivery (2022-ONGOING)
Free creative learning programme delivered by Children Change Colombia in partnership with the Colombian Consulate in London. For this project we have also worked with St Gabriel's College and IRMO (Indoamerican Refugee and Migrant Organisation).
The project has impacted over 150 Latinx children and young people who have connected with Colombia’s nature and cultural heritage through the arts. Workshops based on my children's album and show ‘Golden Anaconda’, inspired by Colombian music, nature and traditions and winner of the Ministry of Culture’s award for Best Children’s Pedagogical Show Award (2020).
SOCIAL ACTION LEAD
PROJECT MANAGEMENT, DESIGN & DELIVERY (2021-2025)
Social Action Lead for Intergenerational Music Making, planning and delivering over 14 community-based Music Hubs and Youth Social Action programmes across the UK, impacting over 200+ participants. My wellbeing workshops blend musical games, singing, songwriting, yoga and gentle movement.
Through these, we have brought quality creative learning to new audiences across the UK in settings such as nurseries, schools, care homes, community centres, youth clubs, and universities. I also oversaw project evaluation, designed feedback tools, and communicated outcomes to funders, partners and directors.
Spitalfields Music
Music leader & Mentor (2024-ongoing)
Grant winner & facilitator at the Primary Big Sing 2024.
I am currently supporting the youth choir NewYVC and mentoring their Youth Coordinator.
Photo by: James Berry
'tHE JOURNEY OF THE GOLDEN ANACONDA'
CHILDREN's MUSIC album, show & workshops (2017-ONGOING)
Show, music album and workshops for children aged 4–10 and their families to learn about Colombia. The songs and storytelling are based on Colombia’s natural and cultural richness.
Recently presented at Southbank Centre's Imagine Festival (UK), Colombian Consulate (UK) and as a co-production of the Colón Theatre (Colombia). Winner of the Ministry of Culture’s award for Best Children’s Pedagogical Show Award (2020).
Part of the Play, Make, Do at the Barbican Centre 2026.
Photo by: Milton Ramírez