Maya Shanker is a versatile and dynamic violinist based in Los Angeles, with a career spanning classical, traditional, and contemporary music. Formerly based in New York City, she was a member of the all-female ensemble Mariachi Flor de Toloache, with whom she received a Latin Grammy nomination in the Ranchera category.

Classically trained, Maya has also spent many years studying and performing traditional music from Turkey and the Balkans, and co-founded the band Tipsy Oxcart for which she also wrote original music. This unique specialization has shaped her distinctive sound and versatility across genres and musical traditions. She has also performed with dance and opera productions including Shulamis, directed by Lidiya Yankovskaya, and with Calpulli Dance Company.

Maya has performed at venues and festivals including BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, le Poisson Rouge, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and the Kennedy Center, and has toured throughout the United States and India.

Now based in Los Angeles, Maya performs with the LLS Orchestra and works as a freelance live and session musician.

For booking and collaborations, reach out:

maya@mayashanker.com