Sonja Kraus

Dr. Sonja Kraus is an Assistant Professor of Cello/Bass at the University of South Dakota and cellist of the renowned Rawlins Piano Trio. A native of Germany, she holds degrees from the State University of Music and Performing Arts Stuttgart (BMus) and Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music (MMus, DMus). Her career spans international performance, teaching, and research.

• Doctor of Music, Cello Performance, Indiana University - Jacobs School of Music, 2019
• Master of Music, Cello Performance, Indiana University - Jacobs School of Music, 2013
• Bachelor of Music, Cello Performance and Pedagogy, State University of Music and Performing Arts Stuttgart, 2012

Kraus specializes in uncovering and editing unpublished cello works from the Classical era, particularly those by Franz Anton Hoffmeister. Her research also addresses music education in developing regions and injury prevention in string players. Her recent publications focus on repertoire expansion, chamber music pedagogy, and collaborative compositions.

She has received numerous accolades, including the 2024 Professor of the Game award at USD and 1st Prize in the 2015 Popper Competition. Her grants include multi-year funding from the South Dakota Arts Council for touring with the Rawlins Piano Trio.

• Professor of the Game, University of South Dakota, 2024
• The American Prize - Chamber Music Professional Division, 2022
• Pi Kappa Lambda Honors Society Inductee, 2019
• Doctoral Dissertation Awards, Indiana University (2017) and Cusanuswerk (2016)