Maria Fabara
“He who sings frightens away his ills.”
About Maria
Ecuadorian soprano based in Colorado, María José Fabara is a versatile artist who has performed on stages throughout Latin America and the United States. Since moving to Colorado in 2022, she has established herself in the local music scene, bringing her distinctive Latin American artistry and dynamic presence to a wide range of performances.
María holds an Artist Diploma in Voice Performance from the University of Denver, a Master’s degree in Opera Performance from Wichita State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador. Her academic foundation has supported a rich artistic career that bridges performance and education.
An active opera and musical theater performer, her upcoming performances include the title role Adina in L’elisir d’amore with Boulder Opera and the concert “Night Noises” with “Cantare Montibus” vocal ensamble. María’s recent roles include Micaëla in Carmen by Bizet with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ecuador, Norina in Don Pasquale by Donizetti with Opera Fort Collins, Despina in Così fan Tutte by Mozart with the Crested Butte Music Festival, Frasquita in Carmen with Opera Colorado, and Mimì in Puccini’s La Bohème with Steamboat Opera. Amongst other significant roles are, Violetta in La traviata by Verdi, Queen of the Night in Magic Flute by Mozart, with the Guayaquil Symphony Orchestra. Beyond these appearances, she has interpreted many other works showcasing a broad stylistic range. Within the Colorado music scene, María was part of the touring artist roster with Central City Opera through 2024 and now regularly collaborates with Opera Fort Collins and Boulder Opera on their outreach concerts.
As a dedicated educator, María has taught voice for over 10 years in both private and academic settings, working with students of all ages and across various musical styles. She has held teaching positions at Universidad de Los Hemisferios and the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador, as well as McPherson College in Kansas.
With a career that embraces both classical tradition and contemporary storytelling, María José continues to inspire audiences and students alike through her artistry, versatility, and passion for sharing music.
Maria’s Instructional Approach
My path as a singer and teacher began in Ecuador, where quality vocal instruction was hard to find. This challenge took me to Argentina for further study and eventually to the United States, where I finally received the training that solidified my technique and gave me a grounded, comprehensive foundation as both a performer and a teacher.
This personal experience has profoundly shaped my approach as a teacher. I understand firsthand the confusion and frustration that can come from trying to study voice. Because of that, I prioritize patience, open communication, and a deep respect for each student’s unique vocal instrument. I firmly believe that no two voices are the same, and as such, each student’s journey must be treated individually. While every singer’s path is personalized, it is always built on the same solid foundation: clear, reliable technical principles and practical tools that support healthy singing. My goal is to help students discover how their instrument works (physiologically, technically, and artistically) and to support them by giving them the resources to build a healthy technique and unlock their potential.
I see teaching as a guided process of discovery, one where exploration is balanced with clear direction and achievable goals. I commit to create an environment where students feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and embrace both the breakthroughs and the challenges, knowing that each is essential to growth. While every voice develops at its own pace, I keep our work focused and purposeful, ensuring that progress is steady and meaningful. For younger students, I adapt my methods to keep lessons playful, engaging, and age-appropriate, while still fostering healthy vocal habits that will serve them for years to come.
Ultimately, I believe that with discipline, curiosity, and a genuine desire to sing, every student can grow and thrive. My job as a teacher is not just to instruct, but to partner with each student on their unique path, to help them listen to their voice, understand its needs, and develop the tools to express themselves.
Practice Tips
Start every practice session with safe, healthy vocal exercises: these foundational warm-ups are essential, even if they seem simple or repetitive at times. Trust the process. Skipping them might feel tempting, but they prepare your voice to work efficiently and help prevent strain or injury.
Equally important is learning to listen to your body. Some days, your voice may need more time and gentle treatment to warm up; other times, it might be more ready than you expect. Being mindful of what your instrument needs each day allows you to practice more effectively. Stay flexible, stay curious, and always prioritize vocal health over pushing through. Your voice will thank you for it.
Favorite Tunes
Rock: Prófugos by Soda Stereo
Latin: Como la Cigarra by Mercedes Sosa
Funk/Electronic: Daft Punk by Pentatonix
Jazz/Bosa: O Pato by João Gilberto
Classical: Clair de lune by Claude Debussy
