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Annika Socolofsky
Composer-Vocalist & Assistant Professor of Composition, Director of Pendulum New Music at University of Colorado Boulder
Annika Socolofsky is a composer, avant-folk vocalist, and Associate Professor of Composition at the University of Colorado Boulder.14 She is known for her unique approach to vocal music, exploring unconventional vocal techniques often considered "untrained" or non-classical.1 Socolofsky's work has been described as "unbearably moving" by Gramophone and strikes "just the right balance between edgy precision and freewheeling exuberance" according to The Guardian.1
Career Highlights
- Recipient of the 2021 Gaudeamus Award1
- PhD in Composition from Princeton University1
- Collaborations with renowned ensembles such as Eighth Blackbird, Albany Symphony, and Knoxville Symphony Orchestra24
- Creator of "feminist rager-lullabies" titled "Don't say a word"1
- Research focus on contemporary vocal music, using Dolly Parton's music as a pedagogical approach to composition1
Musical Style and Approach
Socolofsky's music spans various genres, from orchestral and operatic works to unaccompanied folk ballads and Dolly Parton covers.1 She often writes for her own voice, combining it with chamber ensembles.4 Her creative process involves physical activities like walking, running, and singing to develop the purpose and meaning behind each piece.2
Teaching and Research
At the University of Colorado Boulder, Socolofsky leads the Instrument Design Lab, which explores the intersection of art and science in music.3 Her teaching philosophy emphasizes inclusivity, celebrating musical creativity across genre boundaries.2
Upcoming Events
Socolofsky has several performances scheduled for the 2024-2025 season, including:


