We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Valentina Pelaez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Valentina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

From a young age, I always knew I wanted to be a singer. Yet, there were many moments when I second–guessed myself, wondering if I should pursue a different path—maybe law or something in the health field, areas where I had other talents. Like many, the future’s uncertainty, especially regarding finances and stability, sometimes made me hesitant to dive fully into music. On top of that, I saw the tangible impact my parents’ and older sibling’s careers had on making the world a better place, which made me question whether music could have the same effect.

Though I am a social person, I do not always initiate conversations. However, once someone does, I tend to get deeply involved. I remember one particular instance when I was on the Metro in Medellín, Colombia, heading to a music lesson in preparation for my college applications. A stranger struck up a conversation and asked what my older brother was studying. I proudly told her he was a medical student at the top university in Medellín. She gave me a look of admiration, which quickly shifted when I told her I planned to study music. Without missing a beat, she remarked, “You are going to starve to death”.

Despite these doubts and external opinions, I moved to the U.S., joined my high school choir, and was eventually accepted into the All-State Choir. This ensemble brought together the best high school singers under the direction of renowned guest conductors. That year, I had the privilege of working with Maria Guinand and Michael Barrett. Something Mr. Barrett said during rehearsals particularly stuck with me—he invited us to strive for the extraordinary.

After an intense week of preparation, we performed as one ensemble. I remember being in tears on the way home, overwhelmed by what I had just experienced. It was a feeling of pure joy and fulfillment. In that moment, I realized: while I have other talents and could excel in various fields, singing makes me feel extraordinary. It is when I am my best and most authentic self.

Valentina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a hardworking person who thrives on staying busy and filling my calendar with things I am passionate about. My days revolve around classes, rehearsals, voice lessons, performances, and spending quality time with friends and family. I also strongly believe in the power of mentorship, which has been a crucial part of my journey.

I am now a senior majoring in Classical Vocal Performance, but it was not always that way. Initially, I envisioned a career in jazz or worship music, thinking I would become a worship leader or pursue something in contemporary genres. However, as college application deadlines approached, I opted for a more familiar and seemingly stable path—Music Therapy, with voice as my principal instrument. Yet, very quickly, I realized my heart was set on developing my voice to its fullest potential. Since I had auditioned with classical repertoire, transitioning to the Classical Vocal Performance track was the most seamless route.

It did not take long for me to fall in love with classical music. It challenged me intellectually, especially with its demands in theory, language, and vocal technique. Even though I initially felt insecure compared to my peers—many of whom had more experience in classical music—I saw this as a challenge to push myself even further. Unlike some, I did not grow up in a family of professional musicians. While my parents were incredibly supportive, their knowledge in this area was limited, so I sought outside mentorship.

The first mentor to guide me was my high school choir teacher, Mrs. Greene. She helped me navigate college applications and set me on the right path toward success. Later, I connected with Amy McCook, a mentor through the SOS Scholarship program for first–generation female students. She provided invaluable support, helping me navigate the complexities of campus life, including financials, housing, and meal plans.

Reflecting on my journey, I realize how hard I have worked to get to where I am. While I had amazing mentors, I had to actively seek them out, be open to learning, and push through moments of uncertainty. This inspired me to give back and become a mentor myself. I now run my own voice studio, where I aim to help my students grow not just as singers, but as well–rounded individuals. I offer them the same guidance my mentors provided me, along with the knowledge I have gained through my own experiences. In addition to teaching, I am committed to every performance opportunity I receive. Whether I am singing at churches, corporate events, or weddings, I always bring my best self. My clients benefit from my dedication, passion, and strong organizational skills, ensuring that each event is handled with professionalism and care.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

As a teacher, my goal is to share both my experience and knowledge to help my students grow as musicians. However, my mission extends beyond music—I aim to help them develop as individuals in society by nurturing their social skills and confidence. Whether they pursue music professionally or keep it as a hobby, I strive to provide tools that will be valuable in any career they choose, empowering them to succeed in whatever path they follow.

As a performer, my mission is to create unforgettable moments, experiences, and emotions that only music can evoke. My commitment to the audience is to constantly strive for excellence, giving them everything I have to offer. I want each person to leave the performance with a lasting memory in their hearts. I especially love being part of special occasions—whether it is a wedding, a proposal, or a themed concert—bringing music to these moments makes them even more meaningful.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

“What do you do with your degree?” is a question I get asked often, and the answer is complex and depends on the situation. My ultimate goal is to be a full–time performer, singing at concerts and events. But it is not as easy as it seems—there is a great deal of preparation behind each show, including logistics, publicity, studying the music and its history, and even learning foreign languages.

With my degree, I am equipped with the technical education needed to pursue a performer’s life, but starting out usually means freelancing. That is how you secure contracts and gigs. In addition to musical skills, it is essential to develop marketing and business tools to build a sustainable career. Networking, gaining exposure, managing finances, and being flexible enough to learn various tools are key to boosting your income in this industry.

I never expected to become so passionate about teaching, but it is been a win–win. Teaching allows me to make an impact on someone’s life, reinforce my own knowledge, and create an additional source of income. I am currently working on developing a blog on my website where I can expand on topics related to life as a musician and creative.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://valentinapelaezmusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valentina_pelaez_sings/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valentina.pelaez.568
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-pel%C3%A1ez-7a08371ab/
• Twitter: https://x.com/valenpzz01
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@valentinapelaezsings?si=4udT83Sh5bzkJ6Ae