Meet Sonia Charalampidou
With over two decades of experience in music education, Sonia Charalampidou brings a unique blend of patience, clarity, and deep musical knowledge to her teaching. A long-time instructor in Greek music schools and conservatories, Sonia is known for making music accessible to absolute beginners, guiding students of all ages through their very first steps in learning the ancient Greek seven-string lyre.
Her gentle and structured approach is ideal for those with no prior musical background, offering a supportive environment where anyone can build confidence and skill. As a performer and early music specialist, she also brings historical depth to her lessons, connecting technique with the cultural roots of the instrument.
Whether you’re curious about ancient Greek music or looking for a warm and experienced guide into the world of melody and rhythm, Sonia is an excellent choice.
Book your private lesson today and begin your journey with one of the most dedicated and beginner-friendly instructors of the International Lyre Society.
Sonia Charalampidou
Music Educator | Performer | Specialist in Ancient Greek Lyre
Sonia Charalampidou was born in Athens in 1977 and has been devoted to music education and performance for over two decades. Her musical journey began at the Experimental Music School of Pallini, where she received foundational training in both classical and traditional music.
Since 1996, she has been actively engaged in music education across various institutions, including conservatories, public education, and most notably the Greek Music Schools, where she continues to teach to this day. Her commitment to innovative music pedagogy has led her to collaborate with key educational bodies such as the Pedagogical Institute, the Ministry of Education, and the Institute for Educational Policy, contributing to national curriculum development and music teaching standards.
As a performer, Sonia was a founding member of the renowned Lyrae Cantus ensemble, a creative collective dedicated to early music and interdisciplinary arts. For over 20 years, she performed with the group, playing Renaissance lute and participating in numerous concerts, theatrical productions, and recordings. Notably, Lyrae Cantus collaborated with legendary composer Vangelis on the award-winning film El Greco.
Sonia Charalampidou studied the Ancient Greek seven-stringed Lyre under the mentorship of the internationally acclaimed composer, conductor, and scholar Dr. Nikos Xanthoulis. Furhtermore in 2023, Sonia joined the pioneering academic program on the ancient Greek lyre offered by the Training and Lifelong Learning Center (TLLC) of the Democritus University of Thrace. This program marked a significant step in establishing the lyre within modern academic frameworks.
At the Music School of Athens, where she currently teaches, Sonia founded the student ensemble “The Lyrists of the Library.” This group of ten students voluntarily explores the art of lyre playing, contributing to the living revival of the instrument through public performances and collaborations with cultural institutions under the Ministry of Education, as well as the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Their work is guided by Sonia’s mentorship, enhanced by the artistic supervision of Dr. Xanthoulis, and supported by the master luthier Giorgos Nikas of the Palmos workshop, who provides the ensemble with handcrafted instruments.
Today, Sonia Charalampidou is deeply involved in the revival of the ancient Greek seven-string lyre, an instrument rich in cultural and historical significance. Her work bridges the gap between past and present, bringing ancient sounds to modern audiences through both education and performance. Sonia is an instructor and pedagogue at the International Lyre Society, the first official international academy dedicated to the revival and teaching of the ancient Greek lyre.
Her unique combination of music education expertise, historical performance practice, and passion for ancient Greek musical heritage makes her a key figure in the ongoing revival movement of Hellenic musical traditions.