Chat session 162 with Maya

🎧 Catch Up Link

Topic- "From Curiosity to Confidence: A Young Artist’s Voyage of Expression and Impact"

Monday 6th July 2026 1pm https://rppfm.com.au

How It Began: Maya’s Musical Journey Starts with Family and Community

Maya’s fascination with music began early in her life, deeply rooted in her family’s shared passion for connecting with others through community. For Maya, the act of expressing her feelings via instrumental storytelling is one of the reasons she loves music so much. Her journey has been enriched by shared experiences with other musicians, which have led to meaningful friendships. These connections proved especially important as she moved around inner suburban rentals, transforming what could have been a confronting experience into opportunities for friendship and community bonding.

Early Childhood: A Love for Music from the Beginning

From as young as six months old, Maya was captivated by music. Her mother recalls that Maya showed a profound curiosity about the world around her from an early age. Walking along the Yarra River into the city with her family—often pushing prams with their babies—they built lifelong friendships and developed a shared appreciation for Melbourne’s vibrant musical scene. These walks were more than just outings—they were a foundation for Maya’s love of music and community. Her family attended numerous musical experiences, including sessions at the State Library, mums and bubs yoga at Abbotsford Convent, and outdoor musical fun with ‘the Mexican music man’ at Prahran Market. She also participated in Mini Maestros with Maddy Kelly, the daughter of renowned musician Paul Kelly, further nurturing her musical interests.

A Musical Start in Kindergarten

Maya’s formal education began in the city at a French immersion kindergarten, where she attended two days a week. She remembers her first teacher Cécile fondly, especially the way she learned French through song. One of her favourite songs was “Pomme de reinette et pomme d’api,” which she loved singing for a long time. This early exposure to language and music through song fostered her love of learning and set the foundation for her lifelong passion for music. During this time, she was also inspired by Xin Lao Shi her first Chinese teacher, who took a special interest in her during lockdown, encouraging Maya to pursue her enthusiasm for numbers and language online from home.

Discovering Her Innate Love for the Violin

At just four years old, Maya discovered her love for the violin during kindergarten. Playing her instrument brought her a sense of calm and ease, creating a space where she could express herself freely. Her violin, Bowie, was a heartfelt gift from her grandparents. When Maya first heard the sound of Bowie, she instantly felt a connection—an unspoken bond that has only grown stronger over time. She feels incredibly fortunate to own such a beautiful instrument and dreams of dazzling audiences someday, inspired by legendary musicians like David Bowie.

Early Influences and School Life

Maya’s school environment is filled with teachers and principals who bring joy and inspiration to her daily life. She describes her school principals, Mrs. Kendall and Mrs. Schoorman, as a dynamic and clever team who are passionate about their work. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and Maya admires Mrs. Schoorman’s skills as a public speaker. She is also a proud member of her school’s orchestra and choir, taking full advantage of the opportunities provided. Her music teacher, Mrs. Pierce, makes learning music playful and fun, which keeps Maya excited about her musical journey. She is particularly eager to audition for her school play at the end of the year, with dreams of playing Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Willy Wonka, as she loves the stories and their memorable soundtracks.

Fun Learning and Creative Teachers

One of Maya’s favourite weekly routines is Throwback Thursday with Miss Brown. During these sessions, they explore the stories behind different artists, deepening her understanding of music history. Maya also fondly remembers her grade 2 teacher, Ms. Joosse, whose genuine passion for teaching made her lessons engaging and fun. Maya appreciates how her teachers foster her curiosity and creativity, making her educational experience both meaningful and joyful.

Cultural Adventures and Family Bonding Through Music

Maya’s family enjoys cultural experiences that connect them through music. After a recent trip to Japan, they discovered the joy of karaoke rooms, which became an exciting way for the family to sing, let their hair down, and learn new songs. These moments highlight how music can serve as a powerful memory-maker. Maya’s sister Zara, also a talented violinist, often joins her for busking in their local village. Zara’s charm and lively personality help attract more attention and tips, making their performances even more special.

Home Life and Moving to Mount Eliza

At age five, Maya’s family moved to Mount Eliza. Her world shifted dramatically when she started prep, especially after living in the city. The family initially lived in a caravan park for two months—a temporary but transformative experience during the COVID pandemic. The campground was completely empty, offering Maya and her family space and solitude, contrasting sharply with their previous bustling city life. This period taught her resilience, adaptability, and an appreciation for quiet moments. It was a time of personal growth and strength-building, helping her navigate change with courage.

Inspiring Women in Maya’s Life

Maya draws strength and inspiration from three remarkable women in her life. Her Grannie, who is passionate about creating strong communities in East Gippsland, is currently fighting to save the Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool. Sadly, the pool has been closed for the summer, impacting schools and community events like swim carnivals. Maya’s Oma migrated from Indonesia when she was a teenager, and her love for Oma and Opa’s cooking is a cherished part of her life. Her favourite dishes include Pastel Tutup—a hearty Dutch Indonesian pie filled with creamy mashed potatoes, vegetables, and spiced meat—and Indonesian Gulai, a rich aromatic curry made with turmeric, coriander, and cinnamon. Her mum, a dedicated yoga teacher, is passionate about helping young people relax and manage their nervous systems. Maya describes her mum as creative, kind, and magnetic, often likening her to sunshine, always making them feel special and loved.

Discovering Busking and New Opportunities

Maya’s journey into busking began last autumn in Bright. While practicing her violin in her camper-trailer, someone dropped five dollars into her case. It was a small moment, but it gave her the courage to perform publicly for the first time. At just ten years old, she took her first brave step into the world of street performance at the French café Mise En Place. Maya performs a mix of classical pieces and upbeat modern pop songs, aiming to connect with her audience through music and conversation. Busking has become more than just performing—it’s a way to share her passion, advocate for causes she cares about, and make meaningful connections with people from all walks of life.

Life Beyond Music: Hobbies and Achievements

Maya’s life is rich and varied beyond her love of music. She enjoys art, swimming, running, playing basketball, surf lifesaving, and mathematics. In September last year, she entered the local Mornington Mayor’s writing competition and received an honourable mention for her story “Person Unknown.” "Maya is proud to hold the state championship title in under-11 flags, and, along with her teammates, she has also secured the state title in the 4x100m sprint relay." She is grateful for the numerous community opportunities that have helped her develop her talents and confidence.

A Passion for Conservation and Giving Back

Maya’s awareness of environmental issues continues to grow. She is particularly interested in climate change and global warming. To contribute, she donates a portion of her earnings from violin performances to the Dolphin Research Institute, which focuses on marine wildlife preservation. Maya is curious about how communities can further contribute—whether through organizing beach cleanups or reducing reliance on single-use plastics—to create a positive, lasting impact on the environment.

Music as a Connector and Advocate

Busking has become more than a performance for Maya; it’s a platform to connect with others and advocate for causes close to her heart. She plays both classical and modern songs to inspire conversations and sing-alongs. Maya believes music has the power to make a positive impact on the world, and she hopes to use her talent to raise awareness for marine conservation and ocean health through organizations like the Dolphin Research Institute and Ocean Thinkers.

Observing Humanity Through Her Music

Playing on the streets offers Maya a unique perspective on human emotion and connection. She describes herself as an anthropologist of the streets, watching the parade of emotions pass by—from hurried commuters to strangers sharing smiles over a song. She notices the innocence of children swaying to her music or helping each other drop coins into her violin case, which always brings a smile to her face. These moments remind Maya of the simple, powerful ways music can bring people together.

A Bright Future Filled with Music and Meaning

Maya’s weekly performances at her local café are a reminder that determination and passion can turn dreams into reality. At just eleven years old, she embodies strength, creativity, and kindness—qualities that will undoubtedly guide her toward a future filled with music, meaningful connections, and positive change. Her story is a shining example of how resilience, community, and love for what you do can pave the way for a bright and impactful future.

Follow Maya and watch more of her performances on her

mums Instagram platform hanyoga_onthepeninsula

My hope is that when you’re looking at yourself in the

‘The Daily Mirror’

YOU SMILE

EMBRACE BEING YOU

AND FIND 10 MINUTES IN YOUR DAY TO NOURISH YOUR SOUL!

To get in touch with Cathy email smileinthedailymirror@gmail.com 

'The Daily Mirror' acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.