What Else Does Angelica's Private Studio Offer?

Lesson Packages

90 min - Serious Student Package (Ideal for Advanced Pre-College Music Audition Level)

60 min - Standard Student Package (Ideal for Elementary, Middle School, High School, Adults)

45 min - Early Youth Package (Ideal for Early Elementary)

30 min - Sprout Package (Ideal for Toddlers, Pre-School and Kindergarten)

Frequently Asked Questions

For Beginners

Q:

"What supplies do I need for my first lesson?"

A:

1) You'll need an instrument that is the correct size your your arm length and height. Your local music store can help size you by measuring your arm. Some music stores offer affordable rent to buy programs, or trade-in programs, like Summerhays in Orem. Be very cautious about purchasing an instrument online, especially from a website that is not an instrument company like Amazon.

2) You will also need some rosin to rub on your bow. Jade is my favorite brand, but any brand will do for a beginner. Rosin lasts a very long time, but be careful not to drop it, as it is fragile. You can store it in your instrument case. Again, you can purchase this at a local music store.

3) Please make sure that you get a shoulder rest that is the same size as the instrument. Kunz or Everest are great brands. The shoulder rest is an attachment that helps support the instrument on the shoulder, so that the instrument feels more stable and comfortable while playing. There are also a variety of ways to store a shoulder rest with your instrument case. Some nicer instrument cases are made with compartments for shoulder rests, but many student cases are not, so buying a clip-on shoulder rest pouch at a local music store or online can be useful.

4) For at home practice, you will need to purchase a music stand. You can purchase a cheap stand for about $15, or a nicer one for $40 at your local music store or online. You do not need to bring the stand to your first lesson unless you would like assistance learning how to set it up. This is a tool for you to utilize in your home practice so we ca reinforce good posture.

5) Student method books may vary for my recommendations, depending on age and level. We can discuss book options on the phone that are best catered to your specific needs. I often recommend the String Explorer book for young beginning children, and the Essential Elements beginning book for teen and adult beginners. I usually transition into Suzuki books, which I supplement with Essential Elements Rhythm and Scale Studies, Fiddler's Philharmonic, and various select classical and pop pieces that students are interested in. I love the Barbara Barber Scale Sequence for intermediate level students. While I was trained in the Suzuki method in my early music education, I do not strictly follow one method (like Suzuki), because I have found that my students improve more and feel motivated by implementing variety into their studies.

Q:

"How do I know what size of violin or viola I should get, and how do I know it is good quality? 

A:

The largest violin size is a 4/4 size, which is used by adults and most teens. A 3/4 size is usually used by middle school aged kids or shorter high schoolers. A 1/2 size violin is often used by elementary or middle school aged kids. A 1/4 size violin is often used by young elementary, kindergarten, or preschool students. There are also 1/8 and 1/16 size violins available for exceptionally young students if necessary, but I generally recommend rounding up in instrument size, because then students can grow into their instrument. Changing instrument size often can be challenging for students, as it often takes some time to adjust.

Viola sizing is much more complicated than violin sizing as there is not a one-size-fits-all full size viola. The standard full size viola is between 15-16 inches in length, but depending on the hand size and arm length of a student, they may be able to handle larger violas. Please go into your local string music store (like Summerhays Music in Orem) and have them do arm measurements to properly size your viola.

Q:

"What is the difference between a violin and a viola?"

A:

A violin sounds much higher than a viola, and it is much smaller. However, to the average viewer, they may look similar, because they are both held on the left shoulder. The open strings on the violin are tuned with G, D, A, E, and the open strings on the viola are tuned as C, G, D, A. The viola shares three common strings with the violin, but it reaches much lower, and has a deeper and richer sound. Violists can play music written for cello, because they have the same setup as cellists. Surprisingly, viola music is actually not written in bass clef (the notation system cellists use), but it is written in alto clef since it is an octave higher. Violin music is written in treble clef, which is also used by many other instruments.

Q:

"When does Angelica expect payments, and in what form?"

A:

My studio tuition is billed monthly, and it set an unchanging rate based on your lesson length. Most months you will have four lessons included in your tuition, but if there is a five week month, you will get an extra lesson at no extra charge! 

As a member of my studio, you will receive automated invoices prior to the first of each month via email. You will also be able to manage your lesson schedule through your online portal account and you can sign up for makeup lessons at no extra charge if you get sick or have schedule conflicts that you notify me about.

Please contact me directy for a quote depending on your lesson length.

Q:

"Can you recommend other teachers that teach other instruments in Utah for my family members?"

A:

Absolutely. My mom is a piano, flute, and voice teacher, and I have various colleagues across Utah that I could highly recommend for a variety of instrumental lessons. Please reach out to me directly for more specific reccomendations. Your local music store (like Summerhays Music in Orem) will usually have a list of local teachers in your community that teach a variety of instruments.

Frequently Asked Questions

For Experienced Players

Q:

"Does Angelica Salazar have experience helping advanced players win concerto competitions, be seated as an orchestra section leaders, or get accepted into university music programs?"

A:

Yes, I am well prepared to help you win your next competition or land your next audition, and I have helped several driven students of varying backgrounds to achieve their ambitious musical goals. I am well connected and can find the best repertoire and opportunities for you to help you shine!

Q:

"I learned music by playing by ear, but I am not very comfortable with sightreading. Can Angelica help me learn to sightread while also building on the advanced skills I already have?"

A:

Yes, I have experience teaching students with experience who struggle to read the staff. I actually grew up in a similar situation, largely depending on my ear to learn music for a long time, so I know how to help students who struggle with reading to get over that initial challenging sight-reading hump.

Q:

"I learned vibrato and/or shifting, but I do not feel like it is very stable, and it makes me sore. Is Angelica able to help me to fix my vibrato and/or shifting so that I am doing it correctly?"

A:

Helping students develop correct arm or wrist vibrato and/or shifting techniques is honestly one of my favorite things to do as a teacher. I have helped many students to be able to break unhelpful habits, and to develop accurate and beautiful technique that lays the foundation for a mature sound quality. My method is unique, but it works, and it works very well.