Sonya Knussen
 

Sonya Knussen is a passionate music educator, arts administrator, and performer. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of Go Compose North America, a non-profit organization that provides opportunities for young people to learn, create, and perform music. She is also a highly sought-after vocal instructor, and her teaching philosophy is based on the belief that everyone has a unique musical voice.

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Sonya was born into a family of renowned musicians. Her parents, Oliver Knussen and Sue Knussen, were both professional musicians. Her father was a world-renowned composer, conductor, and mentor, and her mother was a BAFTA award-winning television/radio producer and music educator. Sonya grew up attending rehearsals, recording sessions, editing suites, and workshops from a very young age. This experience gave her a deep understanding of music and the skills needed to teach it effectively.

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She has worked with a wide range of organizations, including Britten-Pears Arts, Tanglewood Music Center, the LWT Productions for Channel 4, the South Bank Center, ENO Baylis, and the BBC Proms. 

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In 2020, Sonya founded Go Compose North America. Go Compose North America offers online composition workshops and further musical development opportunities to participants of all abilities, aged 11-18. Sonya is passionate about making music accessible to everyone, and she is committed to providing young people with the opportunity to learn, create, and perform music in a supportive environment.

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She has performed as a featured soloist with the Baltimore Symphony, Washington Bach Consort, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, at the Aldeburgh Festival in the UK and Symphony Space in NY. She has also taught at a variety of institutions, including the Performing & Vocal Arts Magnet Program at Anne Arundel County Schools, Maryland, Severn School and  St. Martin's in-the-field Episcopal School in Severna Park, Maryland, and was the founder teacher artist for the Children's Chorus of Washington’s Sing DC and Prep Class programs.

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Sonya is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the arts. She believes that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of music, regardless of their background or ability.

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Sonya studied at Boston University, Trinity Laban (formerly Trinity College of music, London), the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and the Peabody Conservatory of Music ( at the Johns Hopkins University) and on ENO Baylis's The Knack Course.