Marija Konstantinovaite (Guitar/Voice)
I am Marija Kons, a rock vocalist and guitarist based in Sheffield, UK. I teach guitar, vocals, piano and songwriting.
I have well over a decade of experience in performing live and recording with both bands and solo artists. I love exploring various genres such as rock, blues, jazz fusion and use this to influence my playing and singing.
My musical journey began with learning piano when I was just three years old. From then on, I spent my formative and secondary educational years in music school and Conservatoire in Lithuania, where I honed my skills on the electric guitar.
One of the reasons why I became a musician and teacher is because outside of my educational setting, I had a private guitar tutor. He led me through different phases of my development as a performer and guitarist. It encouraged me to continue searching and learning independently throughout the rest of my life.
In 2013, I moved to the UK and enrolled in University in Cambridge, where I studied music and earned my BA (Hons) in 2016.
During my time at university, my main instrument was the electric guitar, taught by Justin Dwyer.
My playing style has been influenced by a wide range of music and artists, particularly those who experiment with different sounds and techniques - it is this love of experimentation which I hope to share with my students.
Apart from being a solo vocalist and guitarist, I am one half of the rock duo Star Dame, who are recording and performing original alternative rock material.
I am pleased to be part of the Sheffield Music Hub and enjoy the collaboration between both colleagues and students. I teach in schools and at The Foundry. The enthusiasm of the students inspires me to keep developing my lessons and I am thrilled to see so many young and talented people wanting to pursue their musical experience.
- Favourite song/piece of music: I love Jeff Beck - Lilac Wine (feat. Imelda May), or Jeff Buckley’s version too. I really like Žalvarinis - Krapas as well! I have so many songs and bands I like that it would take the whole day and night to list them all!
- Favourite thing to do outside of work: Outside of playing music, I like going for long walks in Peak District, gardening and cooking.
- Favourite food: It’ll have to be Šaltibarščiai - Lithuanian cold beetroot soup, perfect during hot summer’s day.
- Favourite place in Sheffield: The Church House - Mecca of Rock Music!
- One thing about me that would surprise you to know: my grandfather fought a bear in the Siberian wilderness.
