Biography: Sofía Yanez Malik
Born at Ecuador. Living at USA. Soprano, with bachelor in piano and singing. Lawyer, graduaded at "Universidad Católica de Guayaquil". Hold two Masters by PUPR: MBA y MEM. Seasoned piano and singing teacher with more than 20 years of experience. Certified Teacher by "Royal Conservatory of Music", Ontario, Canada. Member of world's largest singing association: NATS.
Biography
Sofia Yanez Malik: A Harmonious Journey of Music, Education, and Resilience
Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Sofia Yanez Malik is an exceptional and versatile soprano, esteemed vocal and piano coach, and dedicated teacher who has devoted her life to music and education since the age of 14.
Sofia's extraordinary musical journey began during her childhood as a Soprano Choir Soloist for the esteemed National Conservatory of Music's Children Choir in Ecuador. By the age of 8, she made her debut as a singer in a theatrical production at the Conservatory of Music "Antonio Neumane."
Sofia's immense talent and unwavering dedication were recognized when she had the privilege of performing for Pope John Paul II during his visit to Ecuador in 1983, when she was just 11 years old.
A testament to her creative prowess, Sofia is also the acclaimed author of the lyrics for
the renowned Oda "Hermoso Planeta," a song she composed at the age of 14. This captivating
composition, which speaks of global peace, has been performed by countless students in
Ecuadorian Children's Choirs over the past three decades. The melodic accompaniment for this
poetic piece was composed by Blanca Layana, Sofia's former harmony teacher.
Throughout her first years of academic journey, Sofia consistently excelled, graduating with honors from prestigious institutions such as Catholic Schools, the Salesians, the Unidad Educativa Nuestra Madre de la Merced, the Law School at the Universidad Catolica Santiago de Guayaquil (U.C.S.G.), and the esteemed Conservatory of Music "Antonio Neumane." Notably, she was twice named the Best Student in Voice and Piano Performance at the conservatory and achieved notable success in various competitions in Ecuador.
During her early adult years in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Sofia embarked on a fruitful career as a cantor in Catholic churches and performed at private events and weddings. She even established her own renowned music and event business, "Remy Producciones," which swiftly became a leader in event organization during the mid-90s. Her captivating rendition of Schubert's "Ave Maria" became legendary at the most memorable weddings in Guayaquil and other cities and towns in the Guayas province.
In 2001, Sofia made a life-changing decision to pursue her dreams of becoming a singer and entrepreneur in the United States. Relocating to Florida, she won the prestigious Voice contest in the TV show "Sabado Gigante," conducted by the famous TV star Don Francisco, with her mesmerizing performance of "O sole Mio." Following this triumph, she began performing more frequently on cruises and in Catholic and Christian churches throughout Miami and various cities in South Florida.
Her journey continued as she gained admission to the Vocal program at Miami Dade College, under the guidance of esteemed directors and vocal coaches such as Dr. Beverly Coulter and Mrs. Amy Davis. Sofia had the honor of performing as a Belinda in "Dido and Aeneas," as well as various roles in productions such as "West Side Story" and "Annie," during her studies under Mrs. Davis's mentorship.
Sofia's unwavering commitment to excellence garnered her numerous accolades, including being named to the Dean's List upon graduating from Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus. Sofia also had the privilege of being mentored in private lessons by the late Baritone Hugo Marcos Rodriguez, a well-known figure in South Florida. She became a paid member of the Florida Grand Opera's chorus and participated in numerous zarzuelas with the renowned Miami-based Zarzuela organization, Sociedad Gratelli.
Beyond her musical pursuits, Sofia is a trained Ecuadorian lawyer and Florida Notary. She has received training from the Department of Homeland Security on topics related to American citizenship and has been instrumental in helping individuals prepare for citizenship tests while improving their English skills.
Driven by her passion for learning, Sofia pursued a double Master's degree in Business Management and Project Management in the Miami's campus of the PUPR (Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico), in addition to degrees in Music Education, Marketing, and Ecuadorian Law. Her impressive array of seven university degrees speaks to her well-roundedness and remarkable achievements.
Sofia has faced her fair share of challenges throughout her life. In 2004, the untimely death of her former husband left her as a single mother to her young son, Michael. However, she persevered, studying diligently and working tirelessly to become a successful businesswoman and an exceptional music teacher. During this difficult time, Sofia found solace and strength in her roles as a cantor, Music Director, and Choir Director for various Catholic and Episcopalian Churches, such as the "Old Spanish Monastery" and "The Holy Cross" in Miami-Dade County.
Her professional experience includes working as a General Manager Assistant for notable cultural personalities such as the late Pedro Pablo Pena, former director of the Miami Hispanic Cultural Arts Center, and Eriberto Jimenez, the current director of the organization. In 2014, she ventured into new concepts in the music business, collaborating with music stores and academics like "Sam Ash Music Stores," where she coached students in singing pop, ballads, Christian music, as well as classical repertoire.
In 2015, Sofia's love for teaching and her passion for technology inspired her to establish "SmartBlue Learning" (first known as SmartBlue Corp), a fully integrated music and academic learning company. She became the first music academic in South Florida to offer online lessons, pioneering this service. Sofia's groundbreaking endeavor has provided bilingual and English music coaching to students from Latin America, the Caribbean, and numerous other countries such as Ecuador, Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, Sweden, Singapur, India, and Saudi Arabia. Her ultimate goal is to help students fulfill their dreams of coming to the United States or Canada to share their musical talents and pursue opportunities in the field.
Sofia's pedagogical approach combines various educational theories, including Vygotsky, Montessori, Kodaly-Orff, and her own unique experiences as a mother of a premature baby whom she homeschooled in music and academics.
As a lyric soprano who sing in seven languages, Sofia possesses a warm, clear, and captivating voice. Her training in phonics and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is seamlessly integrated into her singing and coaching as a voice teacher. Sofia's attention to detail allows her to deeply interpret the meaning behind every word in a performance.
Sofia's passion for teaching extends beyond music education. She has worked as a substitute teacher for the International Baccalaureate (IB) programs at renowned public schools in Miami-Dade County, including Ada Merrit K-8, Coral Gables Senior High, and IPrep. Since 2017, Sofia has served as a mentor at Visible Music College. From 2019 to mid-2021, she held the position of Coordinator for Recreation and Leisure at Miami Dade College's Continuing Education Department.
Sofia's dedication and expertise have been acknowledged by prestigious organizations. In 2020, she became an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), the world's largest association for singing teachers. In 2021, she achieved certification as a Voice Teacher from The Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada, becoming the first and, to date, only voice teacher in South Florida to earn this distinction.
Currently residing in LaBelle, Southwest Florida, Sofia divides her time between her private voice and piano studio, "Sofia Music Academic," where she focuses on nurturing gifted and talented children, teenagers, and devoted adults through in-person and online lessons. Additionally, she continues her community service as a teacher, collaborating with public schools in Miami-Dade and Lee counties.
Sofia also remains an active performer, lending her enchanting voice as a cantor, pianist, and organist in faith-based venues such as the Catholic church "Our Lady Queen of Heaven." With her work in faith-based venues, she honors her late father, Daniel Yanez Landivar, an Ecuadorian lawyer who always supported her musical and spiritual endeavors.
In 2021, Sofia rejoined the Miami Lyric Opera, where she previously performed in the 2000s. As an active soprano choir member, she was part of the opera production of "The Elixir of Love" by Italian composer Donizetti, performed in February 2022. This performance marked the first full-cast production after the pandemic, held at the South Dade Cultural Arts Center, under the esteemed direction of Italian singer Maestro Rafaele Cardone.
Sofia currently resides in LaBelle, Southwest Florida, with her son Michael, who shares her passion for music, and her supportive Cuban husband, Jorge J. Rodriguez, who serves as her business partner. She cherishes her time with family and friends, and she enjoys traveling across the United States, exploring small towns, breathtaking beaches, and iconic locations on the East Coast, always seeking new opportunities to nourish her mind and soul as she embarks on the next chapter of her life's journey, guided by her unwavering faith in God.
Throughout her first years of academic journey, Sofia consistently excelled, graduating with honors from prestigious institutions such as Catholic Schools, the Salesians, the Unidad Educativa Nuestra Madre de la Merced, the Law School at the Universidad Catolica Santiago de Guayaquil (U.C.S.G.), and the esteemed Conservatory of Music "Antonio Neumane." Notably, she was twice named the Best Student in Voice and Piano Performance at the conservatory and achieved notable success in various competitions in Ecuador.
During her early adult years in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Sofia embarked on a fruitful career as a cantor in Catholic churches and performed at private events and weddings. She even established her own renowned music and event business, "Remy Producciones," which swiftly became a leader in event organization during the mid-90s. Her captivating rendition of Schubert's "Ave Maria" became legendary at the most memorable weddings in Guayaquil and other cities and towns in the Guayas province.
In 2001, Sofia made a life-changing decision to pursue her dreams of becoming a singer and entrepreneur in the United States. Relocating to Florida, she won the prestigious Voice contest in the TV show "Sabado Gigante," conducted by the famous TV star Don Francisco, with her mesmerizing performance of "O sole Mio." Following this triumph, she began performing more frequently on cruises and in Catholic and Christian churches throughout Miami and various cities in South Florida.
Her journey continued as she gained admission to the Vocal program at Miami Dade College, under the guidance of esteemed directors and vocal coaches such as Dr. Beverly Coulter and Mrs. Amy Davis. Sofia had the honor of performing as a Belinda in "Dido and Aeneas," as well as various roles in productions such as "West Side Story" and "Annie," during her studies under Mrs. Davis's mentorship.
Sofia's unwavering commitment to excellence garnered her numerous accolades, including being named to the Dean's List upon graduating from Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus. Sofia also had the privilege of being mentored in private lessons by the late Baritone Hugo Marcos Rodriguez, a well-known figure in South Florida. She became a paid member of the Florida Grand Opera's chorus and participated in numerous zarzuelas with the renowned Miami-based Zarzuela organization, Sociedad Gratelli.
Beyond her musical pursuits, Sofia is a trained Ecuadorian lawyer and Florida Notary. She has received training from the Department of Homeland Security on topics related to American citizenship and has been instrumental in helping individuals prepare for citizenship tests while improving their English skills.
Driven by her passion for learning, Sofia pursued a double Master's degree in Business Management and Project Management in the Miami's campus of the PUPR (Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico), in addition to degrees in Music Education, Marketing, and Ecuadorian Law. Her impressive array of seven university degrees speaks to her well-roundedness and remarkable achievements.
Sofia has faced her fair share of challenges throughout her life. In 2004, the untimely death of her former husband left her as a single mother to her young son, Michael. However, she persevered, studying diligently and working tirelessly to become a successful businesswoman and an exceptional music teacher. During this difficult time, Sofia found solace and strength in her roles as a cantor, Music Director, and Choir Director for various Catholic and Episcopalian Churches, such as the "Old Spanish Monastery" and "The Holy Cross" in Miami-Dade County.
Her professional experience includes working as a General Manager Assistant for notable cultural personalities such as the late Pedro Pablo Pena, former director of the Miami Hispanic Cultural Arts Center, and Eriberto Jimenez, the current director of the organization. In 2014, she ventured into new concepts in the music business, collaborating with music stores and academics like "Sam Ash Music Stores," where she coached students in singing pop, ballads, Christian music, as well as classical repertoire.
In 2015, Sofia's love for teaching and her passion for technology inspired her to establish "SmartBlue Learning" (first known as SmartBlue Corp), a fully integrated music and academic learning company. She became the first music academic in South Florida to offer online lessons, pioneering this service. Sofia's groundbreaking endeavor has provided bilingual and English music coaching to students from Latin America, the Caribbean, and numerous other countries such as Ecuador, Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, Sweden, Singapur, India, and Saudi Arabia. Her ultimate goal is to help students fulfill their dreams of coming to the United States or Canada to share their musical talents and pursue opportunities in the field.
Sofia's pedagogical approach combines various educational theories, including Vygotsky, Montessori, Kodaly-Orff, and her own unique experiences as a mother of a premature baby whom she homeschooled in music and academics.
As a lyric soprano who sing in seven languages, Sofia possesses a warm, clear, and captivating voice. Her training in phonics and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is seamlessly integrated into her singing and coaching as a voice teacher. Sofia's attention to detail allows her to deeply interpret the meaning behind every word in a performance.
Sofia's passion for teaching extends beyond music education. She has worked as a substitute teacher for the International Baccalaureate (IB) programs at renowned public schools in Miami-Dade County, including Ada Merrit K-8, Coral Gables Senior High, and IPrep. Since 2017, Sofia has served as a mentor at Visible Music College. From 2019 to mid-2021, she held the position of Coordinator for Recreation and Leisure at Miami Dade College's Continuing Education Department.
Sofia's dedication and expertise have been acknowledged by prestigious organizations. In 2020, she became an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), the world's largest association for singing teachers. In 2021, she achieved certification as a Voice Teacher from The Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada, becoming the first and, to date, only voice teacher in South Florida to earn this distinction.
Currently residing in LaBelle, Southwest Florida, Sofia divides her time between her private voice and piano studio, "Sofia Music Academic," where she focuses on nurturing gifted and talented children, teenagers, and devoted adults through in-person and online lessons. Additionally, she continues her community service as a teacher, collaborating with public schools in Miami-Dade and Lee counties.
Sofia also remains an active performer, lending her enchanting voice as a cantor, pianist, and organist in faith-based venues such as the Catholic church "Our Lady Queen of Heaven." With her work in faith-based venues, she honors her late father, Daniel Yanez Landivar, an Ecuadorian lawyer who always supported her musical and spiritual endeavors.
In 2021, Sofia rejoined the Miami Lyric Opera, where she previously performed in the 2000s. As an active soprano choir member, she was part of the opera production of "The Elixir of Love" by Italian composer Donizetti, performed in February 2022. This performance marked the first full-cast production after the pandemic, held at the South Dade Cultural Arts Center, under the esteemed direction of Italian singer Maestro Rafaele Cardone.
Sofia currently resides in LaBelle, Southwest Florida, with her son Michael, who shares her passion for music, and her supportive Cuban husband, Jorge J. Rodriguez, who serves as her business partner. She cherishes her time with family and friends, and she enjoys traveling across the United States, exploring small towns, breathtaking beaches, and iconic locations on the East Coast, always seeking new opportunities to nourish her mind and soul as she embarks on the next chapter of her life's journey, guided by her unwavering faith in God.