Rachel Maki is a passionate and visionary choral conductor, educator, and performer dedicated to enriching the vocal arts community in Southeastern Wisconsin. As the founder and director of Making Music Vocal Arts LLC (MMVA), Rachel is on a mission to provide unique performance opportunities and quality music education for singers of all ages. Her approach is simple yet powerful: create a space where music is made with purpose, and every singer feels the impact of their voice.
A Track Record of Artistic Excellence
Before launching MMVA, Rachel served as the Artistic Director of the Milwaukee Children’s Choir (MCC), where she transformed the program through innovative direction and unwavering dedication. Under her leadership, MCC experienced tremendous growth, expanding its membership and deepening its artistic impact. Rachel artistic quality gained recognition through collaborations with renowned organizations like the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Florentine Opera, and led performances at significant events such as Governor Evers’ Inauguration—showcasing her singers on some of the most prestigious stages in the state.
When the pandemic struck, Rachel’s resilience and creativity shone through. Determined to keep the music alive, she successfully transitioned MCC to a vibrant virtual program through her artistic leadership and support from her team. Through online rehearsals, digital performances, and creative community-building activities, Rachel ensured that young voices continued to sing and thrive even in the most challenging times.
Building a New Vision with Making Music Vocal Arts
With MMVA, Rachel is bringing that same spirit of innovation to a broader community. The Motif Youth Chorale has become a haven for middle and high school students, emphasizing artistic phrasing, treble voice mastery, and meaningful performance opportunities. In addition to ensemble singing, MMVA offers Vocal Music Theory Workshops, bridging the gap between technical skill and expressive performance—an essential step for singers looking to grow in advanced choral settings.
This year, Rachel will also share her expertise as a guest clinician for both the Badger State Girl Choir and the Philharmonic Chorus of Madison, leading workshops that focus on vocal technique, ensemble precision, and the pure joy of making music.
Commitment to Community and Lifelong Learning
Beyond the stage and the rehearsal room, Rachel serves as the Repertoire & Resources Chair for Children & Community Youth with the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association. She remains deeply invested in nurturing future generations of singers and conductors, offering mentorship and creating opportunities for artistic growth.
Rachel Maki’s journey is defined by a deep belief in the transformative power of music. Through her work with MMVA and beyond, she continues to build a community where singers are not just performers but creators of meaningful musical experiences.
Want to be part of the music? Learn more about Rachel and the programs at Making Music Vocal Arts LLC by visiting mmvocalarts.com.
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