One Year of Making Music Together: Reflecting on MMVA’s First Anniversary

rmakimusic
Jul 16
2 min read

By Rachel Maki, Founder & Artistic Director

As I sit down to write this, it’s hard to believe that Making Music Vocal Arts is officially celebrating its first anniversary. What began as a dream—a quiet, persistent idea about bringing more meaningful and accessible vocal music opportunities to our community—has now grown into something I couldn’t have imagined in just one short year.

MMVA was founded on the belief that music should be purposeful, collaborative, and deeply rooted in community. That belief has guided every project, class, and performance this year, and I’m so proud of what we’ve built together.

A Year of Firsts

Our first year saw the launch of several major initiatives:

Private Voice Lessons: We worked one-on-one with singers of all ages, helping them develop healthy vocal technique, musical confidence, and expressive artistry.
Vocal Theory Courses: Designed for grades 6–12, these courses gave young musicians the foundations they need to thrive in advanced ensembles, understand their music on a deeper level, and prepare for future musical study.
Motif Youth Chorale: Our youth choral program offered project-based experiences, allowing students to focus intensely on repertoire and performance while balancing their busy schedules. No year-long commitment—just great music and great people.
Summer Choral Showcase: Through rehearsals and workshops, students built community, gained vocal strength, and shared an innovative “Singposium” performance that brought audience members into the art of music-making.

And we’re not done! We’re closing our summer season with a powerful collaboration between Motif Youth Chorale and Motif Chorale: Teacher Edition, bringing together students and adult music educators for a multigenerational concert that celebrates unity through music.

More Than Just Singing

At MMVA, we believe music is more than just a performance—it’s a transformational experience. In this first year, I’ve seen students find their voice, learn how to express music in a new way, and families finding a way to support the arts in ways that make real impact.

This work has reminded me again and again that music helps us process our lives, celebrate milestones, connect across difference, and grow in ways that extend far beyond the stage.

A Season of Personal Joy

This summer is also a time of personal celebration. I’m honored to have been accepted into the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus for their upcoming season, and I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be getting married on July 19th! This season of love, growth, and new beginnings has made this anniversary even more meaningful.

Looking Ahead

As we move into year two of Making Music Vocal Arts, I hope you’ll continue with us. Whether as a student, parent, educator, singer, donor, or friend—your support is the reason we can keep making music that matters.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Here’s to many more years of song.

With gratitude,

Rachel Maki

Founder & Artistic Director