Domingo Penaloza

Biography

Hello my name is Domingo Peñaloza, I was born in Santiago, Chile, March 15th, 2004.  When I was 2 years old I was diagnosed with autism and my love for music started soon after.  I was introduced to a program for toddlers to learn through classical music and that became my first language and a way to communicate and connect with those around me.  I began taking programs for early musical development at the age 3, where I was exposed to all instruments and I choose the violin at age 5.  I began taking violin lessons with a tutor that his my teacher to this day.  At age 7 my sister, who is a classical ballerina and I joined a Music and Dance Academy,  where I was able to further my studies on the violin and at age 9 I started taking piano lessons.

At age 14 I joined the University of Chile Program for teenagers, where I study Music Theory and Violin.  My sister and I are homeschooled and we devote most of our day to our passion for classical music and dance.  My favorite composers are Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Haydn and Handel. 

On a personal note my family and I live on half of an acre an hour away from the city of Santiago, in a rural area that is known for its wines and produce.  I am an animal lover and own 13 rescue dogs.  

My dream is to become a profesional musician and I am thrilled and honored to be a part of this competition, I think this is a great opportunity to expand my knowledge and help me achieve my dreams.