Sophie Castriota

LMus in Performance

Sophie Castriota is an Australian violinist, recording artist, singer-songwriter, and music producer based in Brisbane, Queensland. With a career spanning elite orchestral training, international performance, studio production, and contemporary music, she offers mentorship grounded in technical authority, musical intelligence, and real-world industry experience.

Sophie commenced violin studies at the age of four and progressed rapidly under Russian School–trained teachers. By the age of 11, she became one of the youngest members to join the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, where she was mentored by the late John Curro AM MBE and internationally renowned violinist Nigel Kennedy. She also served as Concertmaster for the Queensland Junior Orchestra, performed with the Tagiev Chamber Ensemble, and played in the first violin section of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra for several years.

John Curro described Sophie as possessing “exceptional talent,” naming her “one of the most gifted students I have ever taught,” and highlighting her natural technical facility, dexterity, and ability to produce a beautiful string sound.

Sophie holds AMEB Grade 5 Theory and achieved LMus-level violin performance, reflecting advanced technical training supported by extensive solo and orchestral experience at a professional standard.

In 2014, Sophie undertook advanced studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, where she studied under Michele Walsh. She later made a considered decision to step away from the traditional conservatorium pathway to pursue a broader artistic direction, expanding into songwriting, music production, and contemporary recording practice alongside her classical foundation.

Her performance career includes appearances at leading national and international venues such as the Sydney Opera House, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane City Hall, Federation Square (Melbourne), Opera in the Park, and major cultural festivals across Australia. Her international career includes extensive performances across Europe, with appearances at leading cultural events and festivals.

In parallel with her classical career, Sophie is an established singer, songwriter, and music producer, collaborating with recognised artists across Australia, Europe, and the United States. Since releasing her debut self-produced track Gone For The Night, she has written, produced, and recorded a growing body of original work across studio, collaborative, and live performance contexts.

She is also self-taught in videography and photography, producing visual content to support professional music releases and artist branding, and bringing a comprehensive understanding of modern artistic presentation and industry standards.

As a violin mentor, Sophie works with students seeking serious technical development and musical refinement. Her approach is disciplined, precise, and individually tailored, with a strong emphasis on tone production, musical interpretation, and long-term artistic growth. She mentors beginners through advanced and pre-professional students, including those preparing for orchestral pathways, examinations, auditions, and performance careers.

Instrument: Violin