Graduated in music from the University of Brasilia (UnB), Maria moved to Paris where she completed her musicology and electro-acoustic music courses at the musical research group (Radio France) and later in London (City University).

In 1990 she married Henkjan Honing, a Dutchman, and moved to Holland, where she studied directing and editing at the Dutch Film and Television Academy, studying under Johan van der Keuken (1938-2001).