palaver music center faculty

Maya French

Violin & Viola Instructor

I grew up in midcoast Maine and was lucky to have a childhood full of outdoor adventure and lots of music. I’ve performed at Kronberg Academy, Conservatorium van Amsterdam, Orford Music Academy, Manchester Music Festival, Kneisel Hall, Virginia String Quartet Seminar, and Kinhaven Music School. I received my BM in Violin Performance from Boston University in 2015 under the direction of Bayla Keyes. I am currently a faculty member at the Palaver Music Center and am certified to teach Suzuki Violin as well as Music Learning Theory, an early childhood music method. When I co-founded Palaver Strings,  I had many goals in mind, such as promoting social service, participating in a self-conducted ensemble, and playing new music, but most of all I wanted to connect with audiences in an honest and open environment. In addition to music, I love gardening, cooking large family-style meals, traveling, and the ocean.

Brianna Howard

Education Coordinator, Violin & Viola Instructor

Brianna Howard holds a B.M. in violin performance from Boston University, where she studied with Bayla Keyes. She attended the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, Aspen Music Festival, National Orchestral Institute, Garth Newel Music Center, Three Bridges International Chamber Festival, and Kinhaven Music School. 

Brianna has performed at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, and Woolsey Hall.

She has performed in masterclasses with Ani Kavafian and Pinchas Zukerman, and placed first in the University of Connecticut Chamber Music Competition with the Annellie String Trio.

She has taught violin and viola at El Sistema Somerville, Bridge Boston Charter School, and Bay Chamber Concerts, and is currently a faculty member of the Portland Conservatory of Music in addition to maintaining her own private studio in Portland, Maine. Brianna is also certified in Early Childhood Music Learning Theory and the Suzuki Method.  

Sunday Maker

Early Childhood Music Instructor

I grew up in Portland, Maine and am currently pursuing my Bachelors degree in political science at the University of Southern Maine. Growing up I was fortunate to be exposed to music from all parts of the world. I was part of a multicultural chorus from sixth grade to sophomore year of high school. I am also a huge musical theater fan and have been in multiple shows. I have a huge passion for singing and making music. I am thrilled to be at Palaver Strings and the Palaver Music Center and teaching in the Early Childhood Music program. It means so much to share my love for music with the community I grew up in.

Elizabeth Moore

Viola & Violin Instructor

I grew up in midcoast Maine, surrounded by music at an early age. My violin studies began at six, but I have earlier memories of my father playing and calling for contra dances. Playing folk music, in chamber ensembles, and singing every chance I got, I developed my musical interests in a small yet supportive community. I went on to study viola performance at the UNC School of the Arts with Sheila Browne, and at BU College of Fine Arts with Karen Ritscher. Teaching and playing with Palaver over the years, I am inspired by my colleagues and students; I learn so much each year, and continually reexamine the ways in which I approach music and my role as a musician and educator in the world. In addition to my work with Palaver, I teach a private studio, and at the Portland Conservatory of Music.

Ana Ospina

Cello Instructor

Growing up in the Colombian Andes, I began my musical journey with Colombian folk guitar at the age of nine, and later, embraced the cello and classical music at the age of thirteen. I began my academic studies at the Tolima Conservatory, continuing at the University of Southern Mississippi, and William Carey University, earning a BA in music performance. Currently, I am pursuing a Master's degree in performance at Longy School of Music under cellist Christine Lamprea, a Sphinx Medal of Excellence recipient. Teaching at the Boston String Academy and Palaver Music Center and performing with ensembles like my string quartet and cello duo, brings me immense joy as I believe music unifies and enriches, shaping character and fostering community enjoyment.

Sylvia Schwartz

Violin Instructor

Deeply inspired by the relationship between music, movement, and dance, violinist and teacher Sylvia Schwartz (M.Mus.) steadfastly believes that every child—every person—can learn, and makes it her business to meet each individual where they are on their journey of learning, discovery, and mastery. Sylvia is a vibrant performer in both modern and historical styles. The power of music to heal and to bring us together drives her to teach through the Suzuki method and to perform wherever she can, from the Scarborough COVID-19 vaccine clinic to Shostakovich Hall in St. Petersburg, Russia—and many places in between.

Matthew Smith

Managing Director of Education & Cello Instructor

Originally from the sun-saturated desert of Arizona, I’ve loved classical music as long as I can remember and got my start playing the cello through my school orchestra. This experience showed me the importance of creating accessible musical opportunities for young people, and has shaped my role as a cellist and as Palaver’s Managing Director of Education. As an educator, I have served as a Teaching Assistant at The Boston Conservatory, and most recently as a Music Educator and Teaching Artist Fellow through the Massachusetts Cultural Council. 

I have had the pleasure of working with Colin Carr, Gautier Capuçon, and Bernard Greenhouse and have studied chamber music with members of the St. Lawrence String Quartet and Brentano String Quartet. I received a Master of Music degree from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, studying with Andrew Mark, and a Bachelor of Music degree from Arizona State University, where I studied with Thomas Landschoot. Outside of Palaver, I perform in a duo with my long-term musical partner, pianist Pei Pei Song, where we are regular guest artists at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, China.