Let your light shine.
about the founder
Maria Del Valle is a three-time Grammy-nominated music educator, author, and arts administrator with over 15 years of experience leading inclusive arts programming and teaching artist training in schools, churches, and community spaces. Originally from Puerto Rico and based in New York City, where she is a proud mother, gardener, and the caretaker of two cats and a dog.
Maria holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Florida, a Performer’s Certificate in Flute, and a Master’s Degree in Music Education from Longy School of Music at Bard College. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Music Education at Boston University, where her research focuses on inclusive practices and community-rooted curriculum design.
Her journey as an educator in New York City has been shaped by both her professional work and her experience as a parent. After becoming a mother, Maria sought out accessible, high-quality arts programs for young children in Uptown Manhattan—and quickly realized there were very few options. In 2016, she launched Shine On Kids, a pop-up early childhood music class in Harlem, to help fill that gap. What began as a small weekend gathering grew into a joyful and much-needed space for families to connect through music and play.
As she continued raising her daughter and working across schools and church programs, Maria saw a deeper need—for arts education that honors the cultures, languages, and values of local communities, and for sustained, meaningful support for teaching artists and educators. In response, she founded Shine Bright Learning Labs, a community-based arts initiative offering performing arts classes, youth ensembles, audition prep, and training for teaching artists, all rooted in culturally sustaining, student-centered practice.
Her work is grounded in the belief that vibrant, inclusive arts education begins in community, where children are nurtured as creators, and educators are empowered to lead with confidence, creativity, and care. Shine Bright Learning Labs exists to bring that vision to life.
community rooted programming
At Shine Bright Learning Labs, we believe that the development of young people and the growth of educators are deeply connected. Our vision is to create a vibrant learning ecosystem where children and teaching artists learn, grow, and thrive together.
for children & families
we envision arts spaces that are joyful, rigorous, and culturally sustaining—where creativity is nurtured, self-expression is celebrated, and students see their identities reflected in what they learn. Through classes, ensembles, and audition prep, we aim to build not only artistic skills, but also confidence, curiosity, and community connection.
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts Classes
Inclusive group classes for all ages that nurture creativity, self-expression, and joy.
Youth Ensembles
Collaborative performance groups that build confidence, teamwork, and artistic skills.
Audition Preparation & Private Lessons
Personalized support for students applying to performing arts schools or developing their craft.
Creative Playdates & Community Events
Family-centered gatherings designed to connect, create, and experience the arts together.
Co-Created Classes & Programs
We work with families and caregivers to design programs that reflect their interests, needs, and goals.
for educators & teaching artists
we are committed to providing meaningful training and support rooted in student-centered practice and community values. We believe in honoring the expertise of educators while offering space to grow—through coaching, collaboration, and workshops that center inclusion, reflection, and cultural relevance.
Teaching Artist Training
Workshops and coaching for teaching artists focused on student-centered, inclusive practice.
Curriculum Co-Design & Coaching
One-on-one or group support to develop meaningful, responsive arts instruction.
Collaborative Program Development
Partner with us to co-create classes, residencies, or workshops that are rooted in community priorities and built for long-term impact.
Contact us
We believe the most impactful arts programs are designed with, not just for, the communities they serve. That’s why we invite families, educators, and local leaders to share their ideas, needs, and hopes for what arts education could look like in their neighborhood or school.
Whether you're a parent looking for a creative outlet for your child, a teaching artist wanting to launch a new class, or a community organizer envisioning an arts event—we want to hear from you. Together, we can co-create classes, workshops, and experiences that reflect your community’s culture, values, and goals.
If you have a program idea or want to collaborate, contact us to start the conversation. Let’s build something meaningful together.