Self-made and stage-ready: inside Sophie Giuliani’s life

“My immediate family recently travelled to Japan to see me play for the first time, and that would have to be one of my most special shows,” Sophie said.

“I still have to look at the videos to believe it,” her mum, Jacci Giuliani, said.

“It was really overwhelming for all of us.

“It was the first time her brother had ever been to a concert, let alone seeing how it works backstage.

“We got to meet everyone — it was amazing.”

Sophie’s journey began with a pivotal decision in high school — trading ballet slippers for a guitar, a shift that would shape her future.

“I didn’t really connect to (ballet),” Sophie said.

“I found myself more interested in the music at dance, rather than the dance itself.

“I just had the urge to try something new, not realising how quickly it would take over my entire life.”

Gradually, with help from birthdays and Christmases, Sophie assembled her gear. At 15, she began working part-time to fund what she described as “serious gear”.

“At the time, I remember some people saying the things I wanted was ridiculous and I didn’t need the ‘4k amp or the 5k acoustic guitar’,” she said.

“I can proudly say today that I now work with these companies, and they endorse me as an artist.

“I’m lucky that my parents recognised my dedication and supported me.”

Jacci, watching from the sidelines, understood the extent of Sophie’s commitment from the beginning.

“I could, only because I was seeing what was going on at home, but I don’t think anyone else could,” she said.

“I think they thought we’re a bit delusional.”

But the investment wasn’t small.

“(Sophie’s musical education) was a lot of money,” Jacci said.

“You wouldn’t do that if you didn’t believe.”

She also highlighted the broader challenges many young artists faced.

“A lot of kids that are talented don’t get the chance to do things because when you play sport, there’s lots of government help and lots of financial support, but you’re not really supported with music, or arts — any arts, really, in this country,” Jacci said.

“I don’t feel we value it enough.

“In America, people are really different about the arts — it’s not treated like a hobby.”

When asked how the shift from a quiet home to one full of music felt, Jacci recalled it with evident nostalgia.

“It was nice because (Sophie) could play quite well, but sometimes I did find myself walking around humming things, and I couldn’t get it out of my head, because she’d be playing it all the time,” Jacci said.

“It was more awful when she left, because it was so quiet.”

Sophie moved to Melbourne to complete her final year of high school, already setting her sights on the United States for music school.

“I had a few schools in mind but was already receiving opportunities on the west coast before I moved so it just made sense to pick the Musicians Institute at the time,” she said.

Even pandemic delays didn’t hold her back. She adapted, starting her degree online, waking early, and reviewing material to stay ahead.

Now a full-time self-represented professional guitarist, Sophie juggles a demanding career filled with tight schedules, intense rehearsals and its set of challenges.

“Early on, negotiating was difficult,” she said.

“In this industry, unfortunately there isn’t really much of a standard, so each job is like learning all over again.

“The short turnaround times with learning music and the high expectations put upon you was sometimes tough.

“I’ve been in situations where I’ve rehearsed over 12 hours a day and had to go home and do more work before the next day.

“When this goes on for days, it takes its toll.”

Despite the pressure, Sophie embraces the standout moments — including touring with Olivia Rodrigo and Charlie Puth.

“Rock In Rio was a highlight with Charlie,” Sophie said.

“That was a big bucket-list festival, and to not only play it, but headline it with an artist like Charlie, was more than a dream come true.

“A lot of hard work was put in for that show and it really paid off.”

When asked what advice she’d give to young musicians hoping to break into the industry, her response was clear:

“Put in the work and be able to be self-critical. I believe everyone has their thing, chase it even if no-one else has done it around you.”