Music has connected human souls since the beginning of time. For Esmeralda LaCor, “music has been an opportunity for personal, social, and professional growth.”
As a teacher, cultural ambassador, and artist, LaCor represents the best of Mexico and Latin America, blending it with her U.S. upbringing and experience.
“I speak Spanish and English and share my culture with pride, fostering family, cultural, and linguistic connection,” says the talented young woman.
“I practice this every day: I talk about my heritage, support my students and colleagues, and seek spaces to share culture. I believe in a village that cares for the Latino community and in celebrating our differences and similarities through music, dance, and art.”
A proud first-generation Hispanic woman born in Norristown, PA, LaCor is of Mexican descent and grateful to her elders, who have helped shape her musical vocation.
“My grandmother Bertha was the life of every gathering and inspired my performance. My grandmother Concepción, famous for cooking, dancing, singing, and reciting poetry, left me her jewelry and accessories that I still wear during my performances. My grandfather Juan Lastra encouraged me to explore traditional Mexican music, and Rodolfo Cortés was always proud of me, encouraging me to explore different genres and sacred music at retreats and Masses.”
Her parents have always actively supported her, guiding her toward music, the arts, and service to others.
“…Our family has volunteered in music ministry for over twenty years, with my father accompanying on guitar and vocals and my mother playing tambourine and bells,” shares LaCor.
For this young woman, “music is the core of my personal and academic life.” Volunteering is too. “It is essential and deeply rewarding; people feel connected to God through music.”
The Hispanic music group at Saint Stanislaus is a central part of her musical growth and community life. The artist finds inspiration in many of its members, volunteers, and collaborators, who surround her while sharing their talents with the community.
“Among them are Greg, a saxophonist and retired chemist from Westchester; Tyler Ellis, a high school music director from Coatesville who plays piano, sings, and plays guitar, bass, and many other instruments; Francisco, who travels from Quakertown to play percussion; Francis, who plays guitar and models resilience in the face of mental illness; Sandra, who plays maracas and is always very creative; and my parents, who participate with great love.”
“This group offers friendship and collaborates to present folk dances and musical pieces that celebrate our shared heritage,” says LaCor, who is a voice teacher, dancer, violinist, holds an associate degree in music from Montgomery Community College, and is in her final year of Music Education at Temple University.
Her life versatility is also reflected in her musical tastes.
“I have special admiration for vocalists and artists such as Aída Cuevas, Lucha Villa, Lola Beltrán, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Mariah Carey, and Adele.”
She also enjoys a wide range of music; from boleros and rancheras that make you dance or feel nostalgic, to classical violin repertoire and orchestral works that inform her phrasing and technique. She is also influenced by Hispanic composers and performers who reflect her heritage, “as well as contemporary and jazz influences, especially in improvisation and ensemble direction.”
The musical life of this talented performer –violinist, singer, dancer, and visual artist– has also been key “to overcoming, integrating, and shining.”
For Esmeralda, “music gave me a voice against bullying for my appearance and my Mexican heritage, turning pain into art and strengthening my confidence and resilience. Being bilingual and musically trained opened me to worlds of culture and community; through performance, collaboration, and teaching, I connect diverse cultural contexts and bring people together through shared rhythms, melodies, and stories.”
“Music and art have been bridges that allowed me to access diverse spaces, honor my heritage, and embrace American influences.”
This flexibility drives her to teach, lead with empathy, innovate, and inspire others to celebrate their dual identities through performance, education, and service.
“I am in my final year of earning a degree in music education.”
The young artist plans to begin supervised teaching this fall and obtain her teaching credential.
“Thanks to my weekend performances, I’ve been able to manage five years of tuition and student loans, with the goal of advancing my teaching career and serving the community.”
LaCor wants to share her message with the world: “Turn negative experiences into positive ones, pursue what your heart desires, trust yourself, and understand your strengths and areas for growth. We are not defined by flaws; there is a greater purpose in serving the community and leading positively.”
To learn more about this proud Latina, you can find her on social media as @EsmeraldaLaCor.