In the heart of Portugal, in the picturesque town of Alvaiázere, a young and talented saxophonist, Ana Maria Rosa, has been making waves in the world of music. At just 27 years old, Ana Maria’s journey is a testament to her passion, dedication, and the harmonious balance she strikes between her love for music and her academic pursuits.
Ana Maria’s musical odyssey began at the age of 12 when she took her first steps into the enchanting world of music. It was in Alvaiázere that she embarked on her musical voyage under the guidance of band conductor Jorge Nunes. Her instrument of choice was the saxophone, a choice that would eventually become her signature voice in the world of music.
With unwavering determination, Ana Maria’s musical talents led her to the Music Conservatory of Vila Real, where she studied under the tutelage of saxophone professor Filipe Fonseca. Her journey continued at the Music Conservatory of Coimbra, guided by professor António Madeira Alves.
Parallel to her music studies, Ana Maria pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Physics at the University of Coimbra, a testament to her commitment to both the arts and sciences. Her ability to strike a balance between these two seemingly disparate worlds would later become a hallmark of her character.
Ana Maria’s pursuit of excellence brought her to the University of Évora, where she embarked on a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance under the mentorship of professor Mário Marques. It was at this venerable institution that she found her musical home and a teacher who would play a pivotal role in her journey.
Her academic path continued, and she concluded her education with a Master’s Degree in Music Teaching, still under the guidance of professor Mário Marques. Her unwavering commitment to education and the saxophone was nothing short of inspiring.
Ana Maria’s musical prowess didn’t go unnoticed. Her talent and dedication earned her prestigious accolades, including the Gold Star in the Music and Stars Awards, an honor she achieved this year. This achievement followed her Silver Star win in the 2020 edition, showcasing her consistent excellence in the world of music.
Another notable achievement in her musical journey was her 2nd place finish (with no 1st place assigned) at the Gilberta Paiva competition in 2019, where she showcased her remarkable talent as a member of the Yeborath Sax Quartet in the category of chamber music.
Ana Maria Rosa’s favorite piece, Ida Gotkovsky’s Concerto for alto saxophone and orchestra, reflects her deep connection to the saxophone’s expressive possibilities. This choice underscores her passion for the instrument and her dedication to bringing out its full potential in her performances.
Ana Maria’s practice routine is a reflection of her disciplined approach to music. Her practice sessions vary in duration, depending on her teaching schedule. However, they always begin with a meticulous warm-up, including scales with different articulations and intervals. Ana Maria’s commitment to mastering her instrument is evident in her practice regimen, which includes exercises to explore overtones before diving into her repertoire.
In Ana Maria Rosa’s journey, the influence of her teachers cannot be overstated. From Jorge Nunes, her first teacher who instilled the importance of fearlessness in performance and good study habits, to professors who helped her shape her musical identity, each mentor left an indelible mark. Ana Maria acknowledges the lessons she learned from each of them, lessons that continue to guide her musical endeavors.
In the end, Ana Maria’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to becoming the best version of herself. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians and those who dare to combine their passions, demonstrating that the pursuit of excellence knows no boundaries.
As Ana Maria Rosa continues her journey, we can only anticipate more extraordinary performances and musical discoveries, all grounded in her love for the saxophone and her dedication to the harmonious union of music and science.