Mercedes Otero was born in Caracas, Venezuela, growing up in a family of artists. Her mother Mercedes Pardo was a painter, and her father Alejandro Otero was a sculptor. She grew up within a very motivating cultural atmosphere where musicians, painters, sculptors, writers, philosophers, playwrights, dancers, actors, composers, performers, and poets gathered regularly at her home.

Her musical career commenced in her home country. As a classical guitarist, she initially studied with Gilbert Biberian and John Duarte in London, England. She then went on to enroll at the Liceo Musicale di Viotti in Vercelli, Italy to continue guitar studies with Angelo Gilardino and Giuseppe Rosetta. She later undertook graduate studies in composition at the California State University in Northridge, where she studied with Aurelio de la Vega and Daniel Kessner and was awarded a Master’s Degree with Distinction. 

Returning to Venezuela, she studied Choral Conducting at the Choral Conductors’ School of Caracas and composition with Hector Tossar.  As a choral conductor, she founded and conducted several choirs for children, teens, and adults.  As a composer, Otero participated in Contemporary Music Festivals in Venezuela, Mexico, and the United States.  Her music has been used as sound tracks for documentary films about art. 

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Compositions