Maureen May is a Co-Founder and Artistic Director Emeritus of Metropolitan Area Youth Symphony (MAYS).
A professional cellist, educator, musician’s advocate, founder, and former conductor of numerous youth orchestras and strings programs in Florida and beyond, Ms. May brings more than thirty years of experience in music education and performance. Throughout her career, she has developed innovative music programs rooted in educational excellence, community engagement, and student growth. She worked closely with her husband, Jonathan May, to develop a unique and inclusive teaching philosophy that continues to influence MAYS today.
After earning a degree in Cello Performance from Colorado State University, Ms. May co-founded the Canyon Youth Orchestra in Colorado alongside Jonathan May, where she learned the immeasurable value of community support in building successful music programs. She later established the Cumberland String Project in Tennessee, bringing strings instruction and music education opportunities to a region that previously had little access to orchestra programs.
Following her move to Florida, Ms. May served as orchestra director at Maitland Middle School and Winter Park High School, founded the strings program at Park Maitland School, taught music at Millennium Middle School, and later taught strings at Trinity Preparatory School, where she helped grow and strengthen the school’s comprehensive orchestra program. Throughout her career, she has remained dedicated to creating welcoming, high-quality music education opportunities that inspire students of all backgrounds to develop their musical abilities and appreciation for the arts.
In 2010, following Jonathan May’s passing, Ms. May co-founded Metropolitan Area Youth Symphony with Michael Miller and Emily Costa to continue the educational vision and values that guided his life’s work. She also helped establish The Jonathan May Foundation in 2012 to expand opportunities for music students throughout Central Florida and further Jonathan’s commitment to music education.
Today, while retired from classroom teaching and no longer actively conducting, Ms. May continues to support the mission of MAYS and The Jonathan May Foundation as an advisor, mentor, and source of inspiration. Her lifelong commitment to music education remains at the heart of the organization, helping ensure that future generations of students experience the beauty, discipline, community, and joy that music can provide.