Music Lesson and Classes

Oboe Lessons in Salt Lake City
Gifted Music School offers oboe lessons that nurture talent, build confidence, and cultivate a lifelong love of music. With expert instructors from the Utah Symphony and Ballet West Orchestra, students receive exceptional guidance tailored to their needs, helping them master technique, develop a beautiful tone, and thrive in a supportive musical community. From private lessons to ensemble experiences, your child will grow as a musician and an artist.
Enroll today and let your child’s oboe journey begin!
Lessons in Artistry and Tradition
At Gifted Music School, our oboe instructors bring world-class expertise straight from the stages of the Utah Symphony and Ballet West Orchestra. Their deep experience and passion for teaching create an inspiring environment for students of all levels—whether you’re picking up the oboe for the first time or are an advanced player seeking to refine your craft. With a focus on personalized guidance and musical growth, our oboe lessons help each student develop their technique, artistry, and love for this beautiful, expressive instrument.
What To Expect With Gifted Music School Oboe Lessons
- Weekly lessons: 15 in the fall semester, 17 in the spring, with holiday breaks included.
- Summer lessons: Flexible schedule, with a minimum of six lessons required to retain a spot in the studio.
- Preferred in-person format: remote lessons available based on teacher discretion.
- Lesson durations: 30, 45, and 60 minutes are common, with extended 75 or 90-minute lessons for advanced students.
- Studio recital: Each semester includes a performance opportunity for students to showcase their progress.
Meet the Faculty

Susan Swidnicki, Oboe
With extensive experience as Principal Oboe of the Ballet West Orchestra and as a member of the Utah Symphony, Susan Swidnicki brings exceptional skill and artistry to her teaching at Gifted Music School. A graduate of the St. Louis Conservatory and the University of Utah, Susan has earned multiple certifications in music pedagogy, including Kodály and Orff-Schulwerk methods, equipping her to inspire and guide students through engaging, well-rounded instruction. As a passionate educator and accomplished performer, Susan offers a wealth of experience to oboe students, nurturing both their technical skills and love for music.
Oboe Lessons at Gifted Music School
Who Are Oboe Lessons For?
Gifted Music School’s Preparatory Program offers world-class training for students of all ages and levels, from young beginners to adults—our oldest student is 90!
Most of our programs are designed to support growth from preschool through high school graduation, we provide an integrated pathway for musical and personal development. Every program contributes to our goal of fostering future community leaders, engaged citizens, and passionate musicians.
What Will Students Learn?
Oboe classes at Gifted Music School will teach students to properly assemble and care for their instrument, in particular how to handle the delicate reed in the mouth piece.
They will build strong breath control for a beautiful, steady tone, and master finger placement for smooth note transitions. Under the guidance of expert instructors, students refine their embouchure, explore a range of musical styles, and gain confidence in their abilities.
How Much Do Oboe Lessons Cost?
Tuition for Oboe lessons varies depending on the instructor and the length of the lesson. Detailed tuition ranges by department are available here. This allows families to choose the best fit for their needs. The lesson package includes all regular lessons, studio recitals, and group performance opportunities, providing a well-rounded musical education.
Our school’s mission is to help as many students as posisble experience the joy of music, regardless of financial constraints. We offer several need- based and merit-based scholarships. We would love to have you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up for lessons and classes?
Signing up for lessons and classes is easy! Go to our new student registration page and fill out the form. You can choose from a variety of programs based on your interests and skill level. We will be in touch with you shortly after the form is completed. If you’re not sure where to start, feel free to contact us, and we’ll guide you in selecting the right program for you or your child.
What are the major programs at the school?
We offer a range of programs designed to meet the needs of students at every level of their musical journey:
- Conservatory: For serious students who gain admission through audition. Once admitted, students receive a full scholarship for all their classes.
- Preparatory: High-level tuition-based lessons and classes open to students of all ages from the general community. Scholarships are available to help support aspiring musicians.
- GRIT Program: Our comprehensive outreach program in Title I schools, bringing high-quality music education to underserved communities.
- Young Composers Academy (YCA): Tuition-based Conservatory classes and opportunities that are available to the general public.
- Suzuki Program: A part of the Preparatory Program, focused on string students using the renowned Suzuki method.
Who are the faculty and teachers?
Our school is home to an extraordinary team of faculty members and teachers, all of whom are accomplished musicians and dedicated educators. Our faculty bring a wealth of professional experience and expertise to their teaching, ensuring that students receive top-tier musical instruction. You can learn more about each instructor by visiting our faculty page on the website, where you’ll find bios and details about their areas of specialization.
How do I apply to the Conservatory?
To apply to our Conservatory program, students must go through an audition process. This ensures that we select students who are committed to excelling in their musical studies. Information about audition dates and requirements can be found on our Conservatory Admissions page. If you have questions or need assistance during the application process, our admissions team is here to help.
How can I support the school?
Your support is vital to the success of our programs and the growth of our students. To make a donation or learn more about the different ways you can contribute, please visit the donate page on our website. Donations go toward scholarships, outreach programs, and other initiatives that make high-quality music education accessible to all.
What Students & Parents Have to Say




