Toni Cortez-Aguilar, M.S.
Toni, a seasoned classical flutist in Southern California, embarked on her musical journey in San Diego Unified schools. As a young flutist, performance opportunities at San Diego's very own Spreckles Theater, Copley Symphony Hall, and the original Jack Murphy Stadium, were pivotal in Toni’s desire to perform. This led to college music scholarships and performances throughout the United States, Asia, and Europe. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Fullerton, and a Master of Science with an emphasis in student affairs in higher education from Colorado State University, Toni is not only a skilled musician but also a dedicated advocate for marginalized composers. Her performances reflect her commitment to exploring intersectional identities through music. After a hiatus from the music scene, Toni is fervently working on rekindling her career. A co-founder of Connessa Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting world music by living composers, she has achieved recognition as a finalist in the Chamber Music category at The American Prize (2021), as a selected performer at the 2023 National Flute Association, and a finalist at the London Classical Music Competition (2024). Beyond accolades, Toni sees music as a powerful medium for community connection.