"Feeling, feeling, feeling."
When speaking about her singing, Maria says that it is not just about technique, talent, and hard work, but is also about "feeling, feeling feeling." Here, Maria suggests that having an emotional investment in art is crucial, in order to convey meaning successfully.
"It's not a note we're after here... It's a stab of pain."
This quote reveals Maria's attitude towards opera training, connecting successful singing with "pain." Although Maria herself has a commendable work ethic and admits being incredibly harsh on herself, she later realizes that she does not have to be this harsh towards others.
"So. How is everyone? Can you hear me? I don't believe in microphones. Singing is first of all about projection. So is speech. People are forgetting how to listen. They want everything blasted at them. Listening takes concentration. If you can't hear me, it's your fault. You're not concentrating.”
This is an example of how Maria teaches her class. She has an air of authority and seems to know what she is talking about. This being said, she also comes across as being condescending and perhaps a little pretentious.
