Instruments

• Violin (beginner to pre-college level)

• Viola (beginner to intermediate)

• Piano (beginner to intermediate beginner)

• Cello (first-year beginner)

Education

Florida International University

Miami Dade College

Violin Repertoire studies at University of Miami

Services

• Orchestral fundamentals for students (including audition prep)

• Music theory and ear training

• Adults returning to music

• Classical music foundations and blues/jazz improvising basics

Bio

A third-generation music teacher and performer, Miami native Alicia Bustamante (a newcomer to Bellingham, WA) is proud to continue spreading the love of music to both her students and audiences.

With over 15 years of experience, Alicia enjoys blending multi-genre influences into her violin performances. She adapts to various styles when taking part in musical projects, exuding passion and enthusiasm in playing classical to jazz, blues or pop. She applies the same dedication whether playing her students, music-loving amateurs or alongside Grammy award winning artists.

A teacher who believes in serving the community, Alicia has taken her private studio of 10 years, Sunset String Society, to perform a variety of classical pieces and rock songs at various Miami events, including events for the city of South Miami and Pinecrest Gardens. She also spent 4 years as a lead teacher for the preparatory strings program at the Greater Miami Youth Symphony, guiding first-year students on the art of ensemble playing to support their orchestral journeys. She also served as a sectional teacher and chamber coach for students advancing through the orchestra levels. Her students have also participated in local youth organizations such as Miami Music Project and some of Miami’s signature magnet music programs.

An alumna of Florida International University, Alicia enjoyed returning to her alma mater to teach violin, viola and piano for FIU’s School of Continuing and Professional Education. She also has a degree in communications from Miami Dade College and has studied violin with professors from the University of Miami.

Supporting the local live music scene and community engagement, Alicia frequently performed with the Alhambra Orchestra, Miami’s community orchestra, and always loved to play with various ensembles and groups throughout South Florida. 

Without skipping a beat, she now plays with the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra and is excited to get involved in teaching and performing in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Combining her talents, Alicia is also a published writer on topics ranging from teaching and practice techniques to event coverage of South Florida’s arts and food festivals.

Influences

Favorite composers: Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Prokofiev, Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, Barber, Stravinsky, Shostakovich, Rossini, Verdi, Ravel, Bernstein, Mendelssohn (Fanny and Felix), Clarke, Gershwin, Ellington

Violinists: Itzak Perlman, Hillary Hahn, Isaac Stern, David Oistrakh, Stephane Grappelli, Sugarcane Harris, Stuff Smith, Jerry Goodman, Regina Carter, Jean-Luc Ponty

Other influences/ performing artists: Frank Zappa, John Coltrane, Oscar Peterson, Wes Montgomery, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Horace Silver, Oscar D’Leon, Celia Cruz, Weather Report, Billy Cobham, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Magma, The Isley Brothers, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Parliament Funkadelic, Earth Wind and Fire, Steely Dan, Rush, Iron Maiden, Talking Heads, The B-52’s, Aphex Twin, Rob Crow, Jamiroquai, Bjork, Radiohead, PJ Harvey, MF Doom, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Thundercat