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Meet Esperanza Salgado

Esperanza Salgado is a dedicated flutist, music educator, and advocate whose career exemplifies her commitment to the transformative power of music.


With a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Illinois Chicago and a nearly completed Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Berklee College of Music, Esperanza brings both technical expertise and a deep understanding of the music industry to her work. She blends her rich knowledge of classical flute performance with a forward-thinking approach to education, focusing on building confidence, inclusivity, and resilience among her students.


Esperanza’s passion for music education is rooted in her own experiences as a musician. She understands the challenges of overcoming performance anxiety and has channeled this understanding into her work as the founder of The Anxious Musician and as the Director of Development & Marketing of Melody Mart-- by creating resources and community spaces that provides guidance on a variety of musical topics such as performance anxiety, practice techniques, music business, and more! Through blogs, private instruction, group instruction, and vlogging; she shares insights on navigating the mental health challenges common in music performance, offering practical advice, personal stories, and resources designed to help musicians thrive. Her thoughtful and empathetic writing has drawn a dedicated audience, establishing her as a valued voice in conversations around music, mental health, and accessible performance.


Beyond her administrative roles, Esperanza has years of hands-on experience as a freelance musician and music teacher, conducting private lessons for students at various skill levels. In her teaching, she creates a supportive, encouraging atmosphere, focusing on both technique and the individual needs of each student. She provides her students with personalized guidance and a variety of learning resources, which include recordings, exercises, and tailored practice plans. Esperanza’s teaching style combines rigor with empathy, and her goal is to help each student feel comfortable and confident in their abilities. By prioritizing her students’ emotional and mental well-being, creates a holistic learning environment that sets her apart as a teacher.


Esperanza’s career as a performer includes solo and collaborative engagements in the Chicago area, where she has showcased her versatility and dedication to artistic excellence. Whether performing in intimate settings or larger concert spaces, she brings a refined sound and expressive depth to her flute playing. Her work spans a wide range of musical genres and settings, and her ability to adapt to diverse musical contexts has earned her recognition for both technical skill and a rich interpretive style.


In addition to performing and teaching, Esperanza has held several music-related positions that reflect her wide-ranging abilities and commitment to the arts. As the Head Music Librarian at the University of Illinois Chicago’s School of Theatre and Music, she managed the acquisition, cataloging, and organization of music materials, ensuring that students and faculty had access to essential resources. She also worked to implement digital cataloging systems, further expanding access to the music library's valuable collections. Her experience in this role has given her a unique perspective on the importance of resource accessibility within educational institutions.


Esperanza has also completed internships with prestigious organizations, including the Chicago Philharmonic Society, the Chicago Arts Orchestra, and the National Association for Music Education. These roles allowed her to collaborate with musicians and artists from various backgrounds, furthering her dedication to artistic collaboration and community engagement. In the past, she has provided services to large music organizations such as the National Flute Association and National Music Educator's Association, as a Language Liaison and Social Media Content Creator, she developed skills that have strengthened her ability to connect with audiences, build a cohesive narrative around music, and developed positive relationships within the arts community.


Esperanza’s musical philosophy is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves to feel a sense of accomplishment and joy in their music. Her commitment to inclusivity and support for underrepresented musicians is at the heart of her work. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is dedicated to creating accessible resources and building diverse musical communities where students, educators, and fellow musicians can find mentorship and camaraderie.


Her journey as a musician, educator, and advocate is one of resilience, creativity, and dedication to lifelong learning. Esperanza Salgado’s work, whether in performance, teaching, or advocacy, is driven by her mission to uplift others through music, to create spaces for growth and healing, and to bring the joy of music to all who seek it. She is not only a skilled flutist but also a compassionate mentor and a committed advocate for a more inclusive and supportive music world.


Education

  • Associates in Fine Arts in Music with an emphasis in Flute, Composition, & Music Theory: South Suburban College (

  • Bachelors of Music with an emphasis in Flute and Musicology: University of Illinois at Chicago (2023)

  • Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Music Business & Film Composition: Berklee College of Music (2023)

Certificates

Awards

Find Esperanza Here

Additional Performances

Educators


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