At nearly every concert I performed as a young flutist in Silicon Valley, I would look around and often realize I was the only Hispanic musician there. The innovative hub of Silicon Valley is praised not only for its technological advancements but also for being a diverse, thriving network of people from all over the world—a land of opportunity where no individual should stand out for the way they look or the faiths they carry. Yet while it is known to the outside world as a rich land of opportunity, in reality, it is a land of opportunity only available to the rich.

Throughout my post-elementary public school education, I was heavily immersed in the classical music scene as a young student musician. I took music lessons from a local flute teacher, participated in local youth symphonies, concert bands, honor bands, marching bands, and competitions. In every single one of these musical engagements, which pulled students from all over the region, I was frequently among the very few people of Hispanic descent—if not the only one.

Music is undeniably an expensive activity. With the high cost of participation paired with the unfortunate correlation between income and wealth, the racial disparity in classical music has become increasingly evident and widely discussed. I have experienced this disparity firsthand throughout my musical journey. That changed, however, when I moved to Madrid, Spain, to attend an internationally acclaimed, tuition-free music conservatory specifically promoting the advancement of Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American musicians.

Here, I study among some of the best musicians in the world, many of whom come from humble backgrounds yet were given opportunities and chances to succeed at a young age. This experience has shown me the immense benefits of investing time and resources in the name of diversity, inclusion, and cultural enrichment for future generations.

Silicon Valley is my home, and it will forever hold a special place in my heart. It pains me that the musical engagements of my youth did not reflect the rich diversity of the area—an area where 20-25% of the population is Hispanic/Latino. In light of the systemic issues in our society, it is my mission to change this.

With the Free Music Academy of Silicon Valley, I hope to provide young, promising talents from disenfranchised backgrounds the chance to succeed and enhance their lives. The academy will offer free lessons, mentorship opportunities with professional musicians, and community concerts celebrating diverse cultural heritage.

Music is a fundamental part of our everyday culture. For me personally, it provided a sense of purpose, community, and structure—I cannot imagine existing without it.

Together, we can ensure that no talented child is left behind simply because they cannot afford an instrument or a lesson. Whether I change one life or one hundred, I firmly believe that music is for all—and I am committed to making that a reality.