As he starred at his computer screen, “accepted” was the only word that registered in his mind. He read the email over and over again. His dream had come true.

Recently admitted into Berklee College of Music and awarded a partial scholarship, Sam Salgado, 23, music major, will soon pursue his musical dreams on the East Coast.

“This is my greatest challenge,” Salgado said. “But I am really looking forward to it.”

Berklee is a prestigious university located in Boston that has a national reputation for producing the best musicians. With students from all over the world auditioning for acceptance, the competition for admission is very tough, Salgado said.

“It took a lot of hard work, struggle, faith and help from others because talent can only get you so far,” he said.

Musically inclined at a young age, Salgado said he was determined to one day study music in a manner that would sharpen the skills he worked so hard to develop over the years.

“I remember thinking, ‘If I could go to Berklee, I would be the happiest person on earth,’” Salgado said.

Salgado, who grew up in Los Angeles, said he taught himself as a teenager how to play on a small, inexpensive piano that his father bought for him.

Upon entering Washington Preparatory High School in Los Angeles, Salgado was forced to play the trumpet since the school band already had a pianist.

“It was fun to learn a new instrument,” he said. “I could now add trumpet to the list of instruments I played.”

But he didn’t give up his passion to become a pianist.

Enrolling in EC’s music program in 2009, Salgado said the program prepared him to audition for Berklee. He is a member of the jazz band, works with the choral as well as many of the other ensembles on campus.

“Sam Salgado is an outstanding jazz musician,” Dane Teter, music professor, said. “He is extremely talented.”

Many faculty, staff and students of the music department are helping Salgado raise funds for the other half of the college’s tuition not covered by the world tour scholarship.

Together with his peers and mentors, “Songs for Sam,” an evening of music, will take place tomorrow night at 8 p.m. at Peninsula Community Church in Ranchos Palos Verdes.

“Sam is an extremely talented student with an incredible ear,” Joanna Nachef, music professor, said.

Also participating in concerts at local venues and being part of his family’s band, which consists of his father, uncle and brother, Salgado is inspired by many artists. But it was meeting his music idol, Ray Charles, which influenced him the most.

“It was amazing to meet Ray Charles,” Salgado said. “This man played with so much intensity, I was stunned.”

Salgado said he wants to continue his passion and become a music teacher.

“I want to give back to the community,” he said.

While he feels very fortunate for his previous education and experiences, Salgado said he is ready to move to the next level.