María Luisa Rayan is a highly sought-after teacher and international performer. At age 16 she won 8th prize at the USA International Harp Competition. She went on to earn silver medals at the next two USA Competitions, becoming the only harpist to have won a silver medal on two different occasions at the same competition. She also won first prize at the Young Professional Division of the American Harp Society National Competition, first prize at the Renié and Grandjany Awards, and is an Anne Adams Awards recipient. She has also received prizes at the Ima Hogg and WAMSO competitions.