Zaira Castillo is a dynamic and versatile pianist dedicated to contemporary classical music, electroacoustic works, improvisation, and interdisciplinary projects. Her artistic practice is deeply rooted in collaboration with living composers, and she has commissioned and premiered numerous solo and chamber works in recent years. She is also the pianist of Duo Riso.

As an active performer, Zaira has appeared at venues across and beyond Chicago, including Constellation, the Epiphany Center for the Arts, Elastic Arts, Experimental Sound Studio, Clara Chicago, Toledo Club Ohio, Ciné Athens, Northwestern University, Roosevelt University, Western Oregon University, and Western Michigan University. She has also been featured in festivals such as New Music Chicago's Impromptu Festival, the Summer Institute for Contemporary Performance, Frequency Series, and Splice Festival.

Zaira holds a Master’s degree in Piano Performance from the University of Georgia, where she was one of two recipients of the inaugural ArtsLab Fellowship, a competitive award recognizing exceptional graduate students in the arts through the university's Arts Council. She was also awarded the Osborne Fellowship to support her graduate studies. She previously earned her Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from the University of Oregon.

An active educator, Zaira is a Steinway Teacher and Educational Partner and serves as Piano Faculty at the Music Conservatory of Illinois. Her programming spans both traditional and contemporary repertoire, seeking to create engaging and accessible experiences for diverse audiences—regardless of their musical background. Her innovative and inclusive artistic vision has earned her recognition through multiple grants, affirming her meaningful impact on the community.

When she is not playing and teaching, Zaira enjoys long walks, teaching yoga (RYT 200) and taking lots of pictures with her film camera~