Maria Paula Bernal
Professional violinist with expertise in orchestral performance and musical interpretation. Adept at collaborating with diverse ensembles to achieve harmonious and impactful results. Known for adaptability and steadfast commitment to excellence in every performance. Reliable team player with strong focus on collective success and artistic integrity.
Experienced with guiding students through comprehensive violin techniques and music theory. Utilizes tailored lesson plans to meet individual student needs. Knowledge of fostering positive and engaging learning atmosphere.
Work History
Orchestral Violinist
8 Months- Studied scores at length to learn music in detail and develop suitable interpretations.
- Learned numerous contemporary and classical pieces.
- Adapted quickly to different conductors'' styles during guest appearances with other orchestras.
- Contributed to community outreach efforts by performing at local schools and public events.
- Coordinated chamber music concerts within the orchestra''s season schedule, expanding performance opportunities for both musicians and audiences alike.
- Prepared challenging music efficiently for concerts and recordings through disciplined rehearsals.
- Mentored younger musicians, providing guidance on technique and performance practices.
Violin Teacher
1 Year 8 Months- Assisted beginner students in developing fundamental skills such as posture, bow hold, and finger placement to establish a strong foundation for future progress.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations for behavior and fostering open communication between all parties involved.
- Enhanced students'' understanding of music theory by incorporating engaging teaching methods, such as interactive games and creative projects.
Private Violin Teacher
8 Years 5 Months- Increased student retention through engaging learning activities and consistent communication with parents.
- Maintained detailed records of each student''s development, providing valuable insights into their strengths and areas needing improvement.
- Established clear objectives for each lesson, ensuring students understood goals and expectations.
- Utilized various teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles, enhancing overall comprehension.
- Assisted students in preparing for auditions, resulting in successful placements in orchestras or ensembles.
Faculty Member
1 Month- Provided students constructive, encouraging and corrective feedback.
- Performed orchestra and chamber music concerts for the festival.
- Taught both group and private lessons.
Violin Instructor
1 Year 8 Months- Adapted teaching methods for students with diverse needs, ensuring their success in mastering the violin.
- Facilitated group lessons, fostering camaraderie among students while enabling them to learn from one another''s progress.
- Inspired students by sharing personal experiences as a professional musician and performer within the industry contextually relevant to violin instruction.
- Incorporated creative teaching techniques such as storytelling and visualization exercises into lessons for an engaging learning experience.
- Supervised students during rehearsals to provide direction to students during practice sessions.
Education
Bachelor of Music - Violin Performance
Artist Diploma - Violin Performance
Master's Degree - Violin
Skills
Accomplishments
María Bernal has been the winner of competitions such as: "Jorge Tadeo Lozano University Concert Cycle 2013-2014" and “Jovenes interpretes 2014 del Banco de la República” in Colombia. In 2018, María obtained a position in the “Bogotá Youth Chamber Philharmonic”.
María has performed as a soloist in 2018 with the Bacatá orchestra in Colombia, and in 2020 with the NMSU Philharmonic in the United States, when she won the university's solo competition. In 2021, María won third place in the “Jackie McGehee Young Artists’ Competition for Piano and Strings” in the United States. In 2024, Maria was a finalist for the Chicago International Violin Competition.
Maria also was part of the “Youth Philharmonic of Colombia”, where she worked under the baton of Andrés Orozco Estrada, Rafael Payares, Lawrence Renes, among others. With the orchestra, Maria has been on tour in countries such as Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Colombia.