Tavia

Born in Trinidad and raised in Barbados, singer/songwriter Tavia gained an awareness of music at an early age, writing songs and playing the piano. With over two decades of musical experience, she has composed many songs, performed as a solo artist and as a part of various ensembles and bands, and she has functioned as a studio performer and vocal arranger for the projects of other artists. Beyond performing and writing, she has also taught theory and performance to children at the primary level, served as Musical Director for bands, and has been a consultant for various choirs.

Tavia Maria started her musical journey through formal education in classical piano. In her latter teenage years, she felt drawn to the genre of jazz, and this lead to the start of her quest for self-instruction in this genre. Her musical style is often compared to those of Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, and Corinne Bailey Rae, and her compositions can be classified as contemporary jazz, soul and R&B. Her sound is heavily influenced by her idol, Ella Fitzgerald.

Most of Tavia’s performance experience has taken place in Barbados. An avid performer, Tavia devotes all of her energies to providing the audience with an extraordinary experience. Of particular importance to her is having audience members involved in her set, whether through dialogue, or call-and-response. In 2011, she was asked to perform at the COSCAP Gala, and also received good reviews for her performance of her original song ‘Simplify’ at the showcase of the Music Department of the Barbados Community College. She was also the only student chosen by the Department head to perform at the press conference to promote the event.

In 2011, while studying for her Associate Degree in Music (Voice) at the Barbados Community College, Tavia was awarded the highest grade in all of the students entered in the inaugural London College of Music Pop Vocal examinations in Barbados, gaining a distinction at Grade 7. She is currently completing a Masters degree in Music Management and Artist Development at the University of West London in the UK.

In addition to her growing catalogue of songs, Tavia has also written jingles for a television series, companies and organisations. Most notably, she wrote and recorded the official jingle for the 40th anniversary of the Central Bank of Barbados in 2012, and was also commissioned to write and record the jingle a 5-part television series sponsored by the Environmental Protection Department in Barbados. In October 2012, she was commissioned to compose a jingle for a late-night radio show called ‘The Night Shift’.

Tavia has arranged and recorded vocals for songs in various genres in Barbados, ranging from jazz instrumental music to R&B to calypso, for both new and established artists. She continues doing this out of her passion for creating interesting harmonies, although embarking on a solo career.