Maria Elena Snijders is an accomplished Flamenco and Classical guitarist with many years of teaching experience. She started learning guitar at the age of 8 at the Muziek School in Tilburg, The Netherlands.

Maria Elena founded Flamenco NZ in 1993 in Auckland with the aim to promote the art of Spanish Guitar in New Zealand. Maria Elena has dedicated her life to the Art of Flamenco and Classical Guitar from a young age. She came to New Zealand in the 80s with the late Flamenco Guitarist and artist Darcy Lange and she has performed for decades in many parts of New Zealand, Netherlands, Germany, The Cook Islands and Spain. She was a special guest at the Pena Flamenca (Flamenco cultural centre) in Jaen, Andalusie, Spain in 1980 where she resided for 6 months.

Besides teaching Flamenco Guitar Maria Elena also teaches classical guitar (ABRSM and Trinity College) and has successfully taught several students from total beginner level to passing their Grade 8 exams. The students also have opportunities to perform. Maria Elena tailors the classes to students needs i.e. for performance, exams or enjoyment without taking part in exams

Additionally, Maria Elena also teachers Flamenco Dance, castanets, palmas (clapping of Flamenco rhythms), cajon (rhythm box), Flamenco Cante (singing) and Spanish language.