A two month long teaching practicum in Cambridge, Massachusetts provided Marista Hristova the opportunity to direct two middle school orchestras. Tasked with conducting and teaching small and large groups of students in viola, violin, cello, double bass and piano, Maritsa credits her success with her students to having the freedom to develop her own teaching strategies and methods. Drawing upon her own experiences as a violist and composer, Maritsa found great joy in strengthening the confidence of her young students and inspiring them to do their best.

As Maritsa pursues plans for graduate studies at the University of Southern California Thortnon School of Music, she continues her work on Bulgarian compositions for a music album.