Maria Hermanns

1964 Joins the 'Volksingschule' Aachen and learns at an early age to read music, play flute and sing.

1969 Begins taking guitar lessons. (Which were to carry on for 6 years.)

1971 After successfully absolving her exams she joins the Theatre Choir in Aachen, also joining the junior choir conducted by Fritz Ter Wey .

from 1978 Visits the 'Music Academy of East Belgium', studying piano and harmonics .

from 1980 Studies singing, Opera, Lied, Music History, Ballet, Diction and Declamation .

1983 Diploma in Harmonics at the Music Academy in Eupen (Belgium ). First prize by the entrance Examination for the 'Opera de Chambre de Belgique'. Numerous engagements and Opera performances.

1985 Finishes her studies at the Music Academy performing the leading part in 'la Pericole' (Offenbach).

1992 After successfully absolving the entrance examination, studies one year at the College of Music in Cologne, after which she gets the roll of 'Marzeline' in Figaro (Mozart) at the Theatrehouse in Aachen.

1993 Maria moves to Abijan , Ivory Coast. Sucessfully concludes her studies at the 'Academie des Beeaux Arts' and starts teaching at the local Music Academy. Joins the organisation 'Diapason'. Organises many music competitions and helpes students during their preparations for exams. She is a member of the Board of Examiners. She teaches children in Harmonics and gives singing lessons.

1998 Maria returnes to Belgium. Starts giving singing lessons with the emphasis on breathing techniques. She absolves seminars in Speech Therapeutics and Kinaesthetics.

1999 Maria visits various workshops at the Gospel Academy in Krefeld (Germany) . Amongst other things she learnes how to conduct a gospel choir.

2000 Founds the gospelchoir 'Joyful Spirit' in Raeren , Belgium.

2002 Visits “le geste vocal “ in Paris and learns how to improve the voice and breathing techniques using the “Feldenkrais “ method. (Tutor : Francois Combeau ).

2003 The gospelchoir 'Joyful Spirit Choir' has over 40 members and has become very popular in the local area.

2004 Maria spends two weeks with members of the 'Krefeld Gospel Academy' in the United States. Here she meets Jerry Thomas, founder of the 'Christian Music Academy' in Cleveland. This meeting has a definite influence on her future work with the gospelchoir' Joyful Spirit. It has inspired and intensified her work.

2005 The gospelchoir 'Joyful Spirit' has now around 50 members, and gives numerous concerts in East Belgium and in the bordering countries of Holland and Germany.