About the "Maestra" Mary Bella

I am a classically trained musician myself, so I know how important it is to have a professional-looking website that reflects your unique artistic personality. Whether the image you're looking to project is serious, classic, contemporary or funky, Maestra Web Design has the website design solution to suit your needs.

While my post-secondary education is in music, I have worked extensively in arts administration and have been designing websites for performing artists for over 10 years. Largely self-taught, I am always seeking to further my professional development by learning about new techniques and technologies that will better serve my clients. My attention to detail coupled with my artistic aesthetic both lend themselves to web design, a vocation I can combine with a part-time performing career.

Although based in Toronto, Canada, Maestra Web Design serves clients throughout North America, so distance is by no means an impediment to designing your site. I often design websites without ever meeting the client in person! We can consult by phone and email, and you can email or "snail mail" your materials (documents, photos and CDs/MP3s). Anything sent digitally is usually better, as it saves time typing and scanning, so saves you money. If you are in Toronto and wish to meet in person, we can also arrange a "face-to-face" personal consultion. Click here for more info on getting started and planning your website.

Why do you need a website?

A well-designed website not only keeps friends and family informed of your upcoming performances, but also makes you much more accessable to the general public. You'll have one web address where conductors, directors and casting agents can view your entire portfolio anytime; including biographical and repertoire information, photos, audio and video clips and your schedule of upcoming performances. You can also include contact information with links to your agent or manager, to your own email, or to any other website. Your site will be unique to your specifications - graphics, fonts, backgrounds and colours will all be chosen with as much or as little input from you as you want.

Helping Artists Help Themselves

Maestra's mandate is to help artists help themselves... once your site is up and running, you have the option to update and maintain it yourself, if you have the inclination, the time and a relatively up-to-date computer with internet access. If you prefer, I can maintain and update your site as often as you wish, for a very competitive hourly rate.

Maestra offers:

* Reasonable rates, flexible packages

* Clean, modern, easy-to-navigate website design

* Personal consulations, attention to detail and to your specific requirements

* As much or as little personal involvement from you as you want

* Registration & set up of your domain and hosting

* Maintenance of your site and registration with search engines