This week, Nathalia Alvarez graduates from the University of Utah’s College of Fine Arts. Though it’s the first degree she’s earned from the college, it won’t be the first time she’s crossed the stage at convocation. 

In 2001, just two weeks before Nathalia was born, her mom, Diana Alvarez, received her choral education degree from the U. In many ways, the end of her time in the school of music marked the beginning of her daughter’s path there.

“I had a very musical upbringing,” Nathalia said. “My mom was my first music teacher, my first voice teacher and my first violin teacher.” 

In addition to the music that filled their home, Diana is the educator who brought music to Nathalia’s school. As an elementary music teacher for the Salt Lake City School District, Diana taught at five local schools. When Nathalia turned 12, Diana began giving her professional voice lessons. 

Though Nathalia went through a rebellious phase in high school and said she’d never perform again, her mom’s experience at the School of Music served as a kind of North Star.

“My mom always talked about how much she loved her time at the U,” Nathalia said. “It made me want to do that.” 

These conversations between Nathalia and her mom often included a very specific piece of advice—don’t study vocal performance. So naturally, that is exactly the degree Nathalia earned. 

“She’d always say all the voice majors just end up getting their education degrees,” Nathalia said. 

Despite her previous warnings, Diana is thrilled about Nathalia’s path.

“Early on, I realized a performance life wasn’t what I was meant to do,” she said. “As I’ve watched Nathalia, I can see it is something she excels and thrives in doing. It changed my perspective so much.” 

Studying music has meant more to Nathalia than just mastering technique. She’s also been learning to harness her individuality. “What really makes you a good musician is embracing what makes you, you,” she said. 

Nathalia lived at home while attending the U, giving Diana a front-row seat to her daughter’s growth and Nathalia a built-in resource for coursework, theory questions and the occasional vocal coaching session.

“ We love to sing together,” Diana said. “She’s gotten so good that she corrects me sometimes, which is fun.” 

As Nathalia prepares for her next chapter, she’s excited for new ways to apply all she has learned. 

“I’m looking forward to creating art without worrying about grades,” she said. “I think I’ve taken everything I can from the School of Music. I have a lot of really awesome tools and I can use them in so many different areas of my life.” 

Diana can’t wait to keep cheering her on.

“I couldn’t be more proud and happy,” she said. “Whenever I watch her perform— even if it’s a recording—I cry. It’s just really fulfilling for me.”