We recently connected with Gabriela Alvarado and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Gabriela thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

Wow! As an artist, life is full of uncertainty, period, especially if you decide to freelance. But to me, the most unexpected issue was dealing with chronic illnesses and having to continue my career. In 2015, when I started my doctorate, I began to suffer a series of fainting episodes accompanied by heart palpitations and other symptoms, in addition to severe injuries that would prevent me from playing and sometimes fulfilling contracts and gigs. Of course, doctors often ignored me and told me, “I could not handle the stress of having a career as a professional musician while finishing a higher education degree.” Two years later, I found myself in a hospital for weeks and then months in bed, unable to walk for more than 3-5min at the time without passing out, unable to perform or hold a job.

I was finally diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that affects many parts of my body. My diagnosis allowed me to look for the proper care and learn new ways to get back on my feet and succeed in my career. I learned to set boundaries with myself, my work, and others. More importantly, I was able to continue my creative journey!

Gabriela, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Welcome to the life of Gaby, where classical music is anything but traditional…. I was born and raised in Venezuela in a single-parent home with three more siblings and two cousins. Needless to say, things were hard at home, but my mother did everything she could to provide each of us with the best education we could have. Music Education in Venezuela is free to all, regardless of socioeconomic background. My mother enrolled all of us in music lessons and more at a very early age, which is how my story started.

My background in music led me to believe that classical music should be widely accessible to all and relatable to those who might not otherwise experience it. That’s why you will usually find me giving more intimate concerts in non-traditional venues that allow me to interact with my audience. These performances take place at private residences, libraries, churches, coffee shops, and nursing homes, which are just a few of my favorite performance spaces! Music has allowed me to find safety, and I would like to do the same in my performances: to create a safe environment for others to experience classical music.

In addition to bringing performances to nontraditional spaces, I dedicate myself to advocating for underrepresented and marginalized figures of the classical music industry, including but not exclusively BIPOC and disabled artists, as well as members of the LQBTQIA+ community. This is done through career mentorship, social media management, and advice.

When not performing or researching for her next project, you can find me rock climbing, taking care of her plants, and raising awareness for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Are you your worst critic or best?

Classical music training focuses on the perfection of one moment, one opportunity, one run, the one time you have to get the job, impress your audience, to win the competition. It misses the point of music altogether. From the beginning of history, music was believed to have healing powers to give you the ability to enter heaven. It has always been about bringing people together and impacting those listening but never about being perfect. During my Master’s degree, I was reminded through a series of opportunities provided at my alma mater that music was my superpower. Since then, I have had to remind myself that it is not about the job, the prize, or the one chance but the impact I can make in the lives of those around me.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The impact I can make in the lives of those that interact with my art!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gabrielaalvarado.com
• Instagram: @Gabyflute
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabyalvaradoflute
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielaalvarado1985/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCorwFCXmU8AoxbIyv2Yu9vQ

Image Credits
@Taylor Rossi @Brittany Primavera @Rachel Minto