Valerie Maze is a Music Director, Pianist, and Vocal Coach from Chicago, and has been a professional musician for over 20 years. Currently, she is the Music Director and Conductor on the First National Tour of Six. She grew up in the Chicago area, moving away a few times to pursue other musical endeavors.  However, she always has ended up back in her hometown. She was raised on the south side, but has lived most of her adult life on the north side of the city; and yes, she is still a Sox fan!

Active in music theatre and opera, Valerie was on the music staff at the Lyric Opera of Chicago for 15 years in various capacities, and has performed at theatre’s such as the Drury Lane Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Writers’ Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Theater at the Center, Peninsula Players, the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Music Theatre Works, Portland Opera and Indianapolis Opera. Her performing opportunities have allowed her to meet many interesting artists and creative professionals.

She has a passion for teaching and has coached and taught at Elon University, Loyola University, Northwestern University, and teaches master classes at various universities.  Valerie holds degrees from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, and Anderson University in Indiana. She has performed on WFMT and WGN TV, playing for artists such as Kate Baldwin, Paolo Montalban, Billy Zane, and Steven Pasqual. 

Valerie has been involved in various volunteer capacities including working with refugees through World Relief. She has a passion for children of all ages, and believes music to be the international language.