Violinist, violist, and arranger with classical training and experience in popular music. I provide professional performances and custom arrangements for string quartets and orchestras, tailored to your project, and have a string quartet available for recordings. Elevate your music with a unique and professional touch.
I am a violinist and violist with over a decade of experience, specializing in both classical and popular music. I began my musical journey at the age of 15 and have refined my skills through various performances and collaborations. I’ve had the privilege of playing with renowned orchestras such as the Lake Llanquihue Philharmonic Orchestra, the Patagonia Orchestra, and the Valdivia Philharmonic Orchestra.
In addition to performing at various events, I create custom arrangements for string quartets and orchestras, catering to different levels of classical and popular music. My diverse experience allows me to bring a unique and professional touch to every project.
As a dedicated music educator, I share my knowledge with students of all levels through private lessons and digital content. My goal is to inspire and guide aspiring musicians, combining my classical training with a modern and accessible teaching approach.
Would love to hear from you. Click the contact button above to get in touch.
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Interview with Álvaro Guzmán - Violinist
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: A project I’m especially proud of was my session musician collaboration with the Chilean singer-songwriter Fernando Ubiergo. He is a passionate artist with an immense career and experience that he conveys in every project. I’m also proud of my participation in a current folk music group, where I’ve been involved in the creation of the music, contributing with my performance and vision.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: At the moment, I’m focused on building my profile on SoundBetter and working on various violin recordings for different projects. In classical music, I’m constantly working on violin repertoire, and I’m also creating some covers of Latin music and playing with a folk music group.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: I’m just starting out on SoundBetter, but I’m always open to discovering talented professionals. I’d recommend exploring the platform to find musicians whose style and approach resonate with your project. Collaboration is key, and there are many skilled artists here!
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I actually prefer analog, like creating sound on an instrument such as the violin, where it entirely depends on your physical approach to the instrument. That said, I also enjoy digital and am constantly exploring new sounds and ways to make music with it.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: My promise to my clients is to deliver high-quality, expressive violin performances on time, always with attention to detail and a commitment to bringing their vision to life.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: What I love most about my job is the opportunity to share and convey emotions, both those already present in a composition and those I can create through my performance. Being able to connect with others through music and bring someone else’s emotions to life is an incredibly rewarding experience.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Customers often ask about the delivery time for their project and how many revisions are included. My answer is that I aim to provide high-quality recordings as quickly as possible, typically within a few days, and I’m always happy to make revisions to ensure the final product meets their vision.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: A common misconception is that violin performances are only for classical music. In reality, the violin can add depth and emotion to a wide range of genres, from pop to film scores, and can be creatively adapted to many musical styles.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: I ask clients about the style, mood, and any reference tracks that inspire their vision, as well as the project’s deadlines to ensure I meet their expectations.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: My advice would be to clearly communicate your vision and expectations. The more information you provide, the better I can tailor my performance or arrangement to meet your needs. Collaboration is key to ensuring the final result matches your artistic goals.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: They would be my violin, iPad, and a coffee maker. I wouldn’t need anything more to stay inspired and enjoy the essentials.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I’ve been a violinist and violist for over 14 years, starting at 15. My career includes performing with orchestras, as well as folk and popular music groups, blending my classical roots with diverse musical experiences.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I would describe my style as musically purist, with a strong foundation in classical music. However, I’m also curious and open to exploring new styles and sounds, blending tradition with innovation to create unique and expressive performances.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I would love to work with Hans Zimmer, OneRepublic, and Luis Miguel. Hans Zimmer’s blend of orchestral and modern sounds is inspiring, OneRepublic’s dynamic pop-rock style is exciting, and Luis Miguel’s rich, timeless music would be an honor to collaborate on. Each offers a unique opportunity to explore different musical landscapes.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Focus on capturing the best performance during recording. A great take can save time later and enhance the natural emotion and dynamics of the track.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I usually work on a variety of music genres, including classical, pop, and film scores.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My strongest skill is my ability to deliver expressive and precise violin and viola performances that elevate the emotional impact of a song. With attention to detail and musicality, I am fully dedicated to each project to always achieve the best possible result.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I bring a rich, emotional depth to a song with my violin and viola performances. My classical training and experience in popular music allow me to add both technical precision and expressive warmth, enhancing the overall mood and dynamics of the piece.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: My typical work process starts with understanding the client’s vision and needs. I then record the violin or viola tracks, focusing on delivering expressive and high-quality performances. In some cases, I provide preliminary samples so the client can review and suggest any changes. After refining the tracks, I deliver the final product.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My studio setup includes high-quality recording equipment to ensure the best sound possible. I use a professional-grade microphone and audio interface, along with DAW software for precise editing. The space is designed for optimal acoustics, allowing me to deliver clean and polished violin and viola recordings.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I’m inspired by musicians and producers like Yo-Yo Ma for his mastery of classical music, and Hans Zimmer for his incredible ability to blend orchestral and modern sounds. Their dedication and creativity motivate me to continuously improve my own work.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: The most common work I do is recording violin tracks for clients’ musical projects, bringing a professional and expressive touch to their songs.
- ViolinAverage price - $100 per song
- ViolaAverage price - $100 per song
- String ArrangerContact for pricing
- String SectionAverage price - $400 per song
I’ll be happy to help you with enthusiasm, professionalism, punctuality, and responsibility, ensuring each project gets the attention it deserves.
- I’ll be happy to help you with enthusiasm
- professionalism
- punctuality
- and responsibility
- ensuring each project gets the attention it deserves.