Sophia Shedd is a versatile and accomplished freelance harpist based in New York City, with a deep passion for both performance and teaching. Beginning her music studies at age 10 and being raised in a musical household, she developed a love for the harp, performing solo and ensemble music in Virginia and North Carolina on tour with her family. Sophia continued her education at James Madison University and the Mannes School of Music. Her expertise is shaped by influential mentors, including Barbara Allen, Jaclyn Wappel, and Barbara Chapman, who have guided her both as a performer and educator.

As a teacher, Sophia maintains a private studio in NYC, where she works with students of all ages, sharing her knowledge of both harp and piano. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in personalized instruction, helping each student cultivate their musical voice with confidence and creativity.

Sophia has also made her mark in the film industry, working as a harp coach, on-set music supervisor, and hand double. She played an integral role in the production of Run Amok (2023), directed by Nitzan Mager, which has garnered critical acclaim, including Oscar consideration for Best Live Action Short Film and the Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Short Film at the Boston International Film Festival. She is also currently working on Thoughts and Prayers, another project with Nitzan Mager.

In addition to her work in film, Sophia is an active pit musician, performing in various productions across the NYC area, including Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George, Britten's Albert Herring opera, and Riegger’s Chronicle with the Martha Graham Dance Company. Her orchestral experience is extensive, having performed with the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, The Orchestra Now, Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra, as well as many others. She was the principal harpist for the Bay Youth Orchestras of Virginia for seven years.

An advocate for new music, Sophia has had the honor of performing world premieres of significant works, such as The Gift of the Magi by Adolphus Hailstork, Symphony for Youth Orchestra: Rivers of the Chesapeake by James Hosay, and Sound, Light and Shadow by Guohao Li.