Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Martinez.
Hi Gabriela, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a concert pianist. I was born in Caracas, Venezuela and am a 5th generation female pianist!
I started my musical journey studying piano in Caracas with my mom Alicia Gaggioni (who is now Houston-based and is the mastermind behind Crescendo with Music – a music school for children!). When I was 11, my family moved from Caracas to New Jersey so I could attend the Juilliard School’s pre-college program in NYC. Pre-College is a weekend program for children to take music classes – not only piano, but chorus, theory, composition, chamber music – while also attending regular school during the week. After Pre-College, I moved to NYC for college and grad school also at Juilliard. I spent almost 20 years in New York City before recently moving to Houston! I now call Houston home, and I am so happy to be here – thrilled to be part of this incredibly vibrant community.
My career consists mostly of playing concerts with orchestras as the soloist (something that I have been doing since I was 6 years old! One of my earliest memories is playing with Barbies backstage at age 6 while waiting to go on stage to perform with the orchestra). I also love playing solo piano recitals and chamber music.
I travel all around the country and the world playing concerts, sharing music with different audiences, and I am so grateful every minute of every single day for it!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As a performer, music is a part of who I am – my being, my soul – it is not a job or a “career.” But… I am also SO many other things – including mom of two littles, which is the greatest joy and privilege of my life!
I wish someone had told me 7 years ago (when our oldest was born) that “finding a work/life balance” is just a soundbite. Life is chaotic and beautiful. Stop looking for or expecting balance. We CAN do everything that we want to, AND it’s necessary and okay to ask seek the help we need to make sure that happens…
I think it’s so incredibly important to prioritize our mental and physical health, and I am terrible at it!! (But I’m working on it…)
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I mostly perform with orchestras around the country and the world, and specialize in classical music. I also really enjoy playing solo piano recitals, and I am passionate about new music – music that is being written by composers who are alive today (especially women composers).
I am currently performing and touring with a recital project called “RESONANCES” which is a multimedia journey that invites us to explore the echoes within us; to explore the search and inspiration that happens beneath the surface when we hear music. It includes an eclectic mix of music, and stay tuned: I hope to bring it to Houston audiences soon!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Believe in yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask questions, and advocate for yourself! Lift other people up, always, and surround yourself with people you’re inspired by!
Contact Info:
- Website: gabrielamartinezpiano.com
- Instagram: gabrielapiano
- Facebook: gabrielapiano
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/agabrielamartinez
Image Credits
Lisa Marie Mazzucco
