Mrs. Mayara Velasquez

As a child, Mayara dreamed of playing the violin in an orchestra. However, her instructor could not find a violin small enough to fit her, so she went in the opposite direction; She found the cello, an instrument that spoke to her soul as a near-human voice.
To realize her dream, Mayara studied at The Carabobo Conservatory and continued her education as part of “El Sistema” Nucleo Valencia. The winner of numerous awards and scholarships, Mayara studied with Denis Parker at Louisiana State University (Bachelor of Music) and then Vagram Saradjian at the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music (Master of Performance).
As a sophomore, Mayara won a tenure contract at the Baton Rouge Symphony, and during her senior year, she played with the Acadiana Symphony in Lafayette.
She toured with the Youth Orchestra of the Americas, including a collaboration with Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero. The recording of that performance won a Grammy award. Other notable performances include Beethoven Symphony #9 with the Akademische Orchester in Leipzig at the Gewandhaus.
In Houston, Mayara performs regularly with the St. Andrews String Quartet, Musiqa, Houston Latin Philharmonic, and formerly with The Terra Nostra Ensemble, which is the Ensemble-in-Residence at Houston Baptist University. Mayara co-founded Terra Nostra in 2016.
Mayara currently freelances for performances and events, including invitations to play with the Eagles, Johnny Mathis, the Who, the Game of Thrones of Tour, Weird “Al” Yankovich, and Placido Domingo.
After realizing her dream, Mayara found her passion in teaching music to children. Mayara received training in the Suzuki method with acclaimed educator Dr. Tanya Carey and additional Suzuki Early Childhood Education with Danette Warren.
She serves as a clinician for the Mercury Educational Program, Parker Elementary School, Escuela Nacional de Musica de Honduras, and Southeast Texas Suzuki Association (STXSA). In addition, she is a Suzuki teacher and a Suzuki mom.
Today, Mayara serves as vice-president of the Southeast Texas Suzuki Association. She continues to be passionate about teaching and coaching. She holds a private studio and serves as coach, adjudicator, and teacher for the Melody Program of the Houston Youth Symphony.
Most importantly, she continues her legacy by teaching music to her children.