Maureen grew up in Yonkers, New York where she began piano lessons at age 7.    She began more formal studies of piano performance at Willamette University in 1981.  In 1984 she transferred  to Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, where she continued her studies and studied privately with such notable teachers as Jerome Grey, Randy Halberstadt, Peggy Stern and Peter Mack.

In 1987 Maureen began a 10 year career performing in night clubs and cruise ships as a singer/pianist and as an ensemble member with various groups.  In 1997 she joined the WA. State Music Teacher’s Association and began her teaching career. She became President of the local chapter in 2000 and served as President for 3 years.

Maureen continues to teach 25 - 30 students a week and to perform concerts.  She presents a House Concerts Series each year at her studio, with world class musicians, many of whom are her long time friends. Many of Maureen Girards students have won competitions, awards and scholarships. Some have gone on to professional careers.

In 2000 she was a Co-Director of the Langley Jazz Festival.  In 2004 she founded the South Whidbey Association of Jazz Educators.  (SWAJE).  She is currently President of SWAJE and Musical Director of it’s Annual Fall Concert Series at South Whidbey High School. The next Annual Fall Concert will be Maureen Girard's local CD release concert with Bassist Clipper Anderson, Jazz Trumpeter Thomas Marriott and Special Guest, Jessica Williams.