Meet Priscilla Salisbury

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

Hi Priscilla , we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

When I arrived to this country from Mexico, I was just finishing fifth grade and stepping into the unknown world of middle school. I didn’t speak the language. I didn’t know who I was yet—just a quiet, unsure girl trying to find her place in a sea of unfamiliar faces, sounds and culture.

But there was one thing I did know: I had a passion for singing.

Music was my refuge. I joined the school choir and the church choir, and suddenly, I had a place that felt like home. While I was timid and shy in the classroom, barely raising my hand and struggling to connect with others, something magical happened when I stepped on stage. I was no longer invisible. I was seen. I was heard. I was fully me.

I remember one moment in particular—auditioning for a dinner theater fundraiser in high school. I still see the looks of surprise and delight on my choir directors’ faces when I opened my mouth to sing my auditioning solo piece. I wasn’t just the quiet girl in the back anymore. I was a voice that demanded attention, a performer who had finally found the spotlight.

That moment changed everything. It was the beginning of my journey to confidence, to self-esteem, to identity.

I haven’t stopped singing since.

Now, I carry that same voice, not just in the opera stage, but into the community. Showcasing the beauty and power of Latin American art songs in recitals that honor my roots and my journey. Music gave me a voice—and I use it to help others feel seen, just as I once was.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a soprano, professor of music and cultural advocate whose work lives at the intersection of classical music, Latin American identity, and community storytelling. My journey began when I moved to the United States as a young girl who didn’t speak the language. Music became my first true voice—long before I mastered English. It gave me confidence, purpose, and a deep sense of belonging.

Today, I carry that voice into everything I do. I specialize in Latin American art song and sacred music, with a mission to amplify underrepresented composers, languages, and cultural traditions. Whether I’m performing in concert halls, leading bilingual church music workshops, or singing Nahuatl art songs in community centers, my goal is the same: to break barriers, build bridges, and connect people through the power of music and words.

One of the most exciting parts of my work right now is a concert series I lead called Canciones de mi Tierra, which celebrates Latin American art songs alongside traditional dance and Indigenous poetry. We’re growing this initiative into a touring program that brings culturally rich, multilingual music to communities that don’t often get to see themselves reflected on stage.

I also teach voice and diction at the college level, helping the next generation of singers find their own authentic voice. I love witnessing students step into their confidence the same way I once did—through music.

Whether I’m performing, teaching, or curating cultural experiences, my work is deeply personal. It honors where I came from, who I’ve become, and the communities that have shaped me along the way.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, cultural authenticity, and the power of storytelling. Music gave me a voice when I couldn’t yet speak the language, and it taught me to keep going despite fear or uncertainty. Embracing my Latin American roots and performing in Spanish, and Nahuatl helped me connect more deeply with both my audience and my own identity. Over time, I realized that what moves people most isn’t just vocal skill—it’s the story behind the song. For anyone starting out, my advice is: stay true to who you are, keep showing up even when it’s hard, and always lead with heart.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me has been the constant support in my career path. Both of my parents are educators, so the value of learning was instilled in me from a very young age. When I first told them I wanted to study music, they were a bit hesitant. They didn’t know if it was a stable career path, so they reached out to my mentors to better understand what it meant to pursue music professionally. Once they saw the passion and potential, they stood behind me completely. From that moment on, they never wavered. To this day, they haven’t missed a single concert or opera performance. They are always there—front row, fully present, and cheering me on. That unwavering support gave me the courage to follow my calling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.priscillasalisbury.com
• Instagram: prissalisbury
• Facebook: priscilla-salisbury
• Youtube: priscillasalisbury