Testimonials
The Choir Collective, Dublin
“Stress Buster
Self Esteem Booster
Anxiety Reducer
So much fun singing
Thanks Maria ”
“Joining the choir is one of the best things I have ever done. As a music lover but someone who cannot play an instrument and with less than a great singing voice, it completely satisfies a musical need.
Maria has an uncanny knack of finding the most beautiful music arrangements. I love everything about it.”
“Being part of a choir is such a wonderful experience. Not just the singing, but all the special friendships you make along the way.”
“The choir for me is a very positive place. It’s an escape from everything. Made up of a wonderful group of people from all walks of life.. I always come away feeling happy. The highlight to date was appearing on television. It was such a fun and memorable experience. Maria is a superb musician. Her bubbly personality and positivity gets the best from people and that’s what keeps me coming back every week”
“I was the family member who always sang a song at Christmas. When my wife suggested I join the St Mary’s choir, I declined because I couldn’t read music and I most definitely do not possess a singing voice in the strict sense. Having joined, I now know the only requirement is a desire to sing, irrespective of any standards of excellence. Nothing compares to the thrill of performance night, when months of practice come together.
Maria Stanley is infectious in her enthusiasm and will bring you to levels you never knew you possessed”
“I joined the choir to become involved with a lifelong passion of mine, singing.
To have something to go to that was just for me.
What I wasn’t expecting was to find meeting of minds, and new friendship bonds that have grown over the years.
If you’re thinking of joining a choir, I whole-heartedly say, just do it!”
“I joined the choir because I loved singing in a group but being in a choir with Maria at its helm goes way beyond singing- it’s the joy of belonging, of laughter and friendship, of singing challenges beyond any I ever imagined- a special magic created by Maria’s tireless and warm commitment to music but also to every single member of our choir.”
“I always really enjoyed being part of Maria’s choir, for the Pantos, Lady Captains, Memorial Services …her patience was truly remarkable to get us up to scratch …good for the soul indeed! ”
“I love Maria’s choir. The mix of musical genres and Maria’s ability to encourage everyone is amazing. I come home so relaxed and energised - its like doing yoga and going on a night out with friends, all rolled into one evening! ”
“As a member of Mezzo Choir under Maria Stanley’s Directorship I have loved the challenge of learning new songs and having opportunities to perform. It provides me with such an uplifting feeling of well-being. I also love the camaraderie and friendship in the group. Joining a choir is honestly one of the best things I have done for myself in years.”
“Maria produced a memorable video for Castle GC Singers under very challenging conditions of the Covid Pandemic.
She is a multi-talented musical treasure.”
“After sitting in the audience for years I eventually plucked up the courage to join SMCS in 2019. The best thing I ever did,
Love singing,
Love my new friends,
Love the craic!”
“Maria is an excellent teacher and director. Whatever kind of day I’ve had, two hours of singing with the choir will lift my spirits and I always leave better than when I arrived.”
“Maria is the most outstanding & hardest working choral director you are ever likely to meet! She works tirelessly to bring out the very best in her choirs whilst making it incredible fun & has patience beyond the realm!
All I can say after 15 years with her is sign up immediately you will not regret it! ”
“The last 8 years with SMCS has been a fabulous, exhilarating, joyous experience, making beautiful harmonious sounds with so many wonderful people. So good for the soul - mindfulness in practice.
And Maria is a fantastic Choir Director who challenges you to bring out your best voice. Wouldn’t be without it now!”
“Practising and performing in the choir is so rewarding - such an enjoyable and relaxing way to switch off from work and day-to-day life.”
“Choir singing is so uplifting; it de-stresses the mind as well as being very sociable”
“Great to be part of such a vibrant special team 🎼 with common musical goals. I always come home buzzing !!”
“Being in a choir is amazing on multiple levels. Scientifically proven to be good for your health, both physical and mental. Good for your social life as you get to meet and enjoy the company of like minded people. Good for society as you experience the pleasure of bonding with others to pursue a common goal. A single voice raised in song is a wonderful thing. Combine many voices singing the vocal lines of soprano, alto, tenor and bass and experience the magic as those voices come together with yours to produce polyphonic choral music, in my view, the most beautiful sound in the world. You can do it! Believe in yourself! Don’t be afraid! Don’t hesitate! Join a choir!”
“Singing in a choir is an amazing experience! I love being part of our choir family! It’s actually hard to put into words the enjoyment I get out of it! It’s amazing, inclusive, funny...”
“Joining a choir is better than therapy, it’s time for yourself when you leave your cares at the door, focus on singing with wonderful friends, laugh a lot and go home on a high. So good for your soul.”
“It was a most rewarding experience under the expert guidance of Maria”
“Maria’s dedication to her musicianship is flawless.”
“I joined St Marys College Singers in 2022 and have loved every minute of it. The release of endorphins when I sing with the choir makes me feel really happy and relaxed. Maria is an amazing, patient and dedicated
director who inspires everyone to be their best. ”
“ I joined reluctantly but under the expert guidance of Maria I loved every minute…. It brought me to my happy place 🎵🎵💕💕”
“Maria’s musicality, infectious enthusiasm and infinite patience results in a choral sound that is much more than the sum of its parts !”
“Being part of a choir is exhilarating challenging and rewarding”
“If you’re thinking of joining a choir project with Maria don’t hesitate. I couldn’t recommend her highly enough and I’ve worked with several different musical directors. ”
“Had some great times with Maria’s previous choir and hopefully can contribute to new venture.”
“I loved every minute of the choir experience under Maria. ”
“Maria is a gifted musician and an inspiring choral director. She is engaging, encouraging and enthusiastic and I have hugely enjoyed singing with her!”
“Join a choir and you’re guaranteed to feel better. You never know what you can achieve!”
“It was a pleasure to sing with Castle Golf Club members under your guidance, Maria.
Great harmonies!”
““Being in a choir led & directed by Maria Stanley for the last 14 years has been one of my best life experiences. It not only has brought music into my daily life, given me hours of fun & laughter with folk who are now best friends, soothed me when sad times hit & have constantly given great joy but also has taught me so much more about music than I’d ever learnt at music lessons.
Maria is an extraordinary person who will drive you to achieve musical heights you never thought were possible and all done in a fun collegiate manner. Join Maria’s choir and you will never regret it.”
“Joining choir with Maria has been a joy for me.
It is a wonderful combination of a stress relieving yet challenging experience. The time spent rehearsing together flies by and I’m always the better for it.
Learning a new skill and being part of a group of people with one common goal is so lovely.
Maria is incredible: how she leads & motivates us all, while creating beautiful arrangements and providing us with everything we need to learn the songs.
She has the patience of a saint.
As a wise person (Maria) said to me about joining a choir;
“Do it for yourself””
Thanks so much to all of my dear friends in music for your kind and generous comments. See you in the rehearsal room soon
big love ❤️
Maria xx
and while you’re here….why don’t you have a look at our gallery 😉