Introduction

Named one of Musical America鈥檚 Top 30 Influencers in the nation, Kennedy Center鈥檚 Human Spirit Award recipient and Detroit Crain鈥檚 40 Under 40, Afa Sadykhly Dworkin is a musical thought leader and cross-sector strategist driving national programming that promotes diversity in classical music. She serves as President and Artistic Director of the Sphinx Organization, the nation鈥檚 leading organization transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts.

Born in Moscow and raised in Azerbaijan, Ms. Dworkin鈥檚 music training began with the Soviet training at the prestigious Azerbaijan National Conservatory where she honed her craft under the tutelage of the region鈥檚 leading artists. She subsequently joined the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra as an entering freshman at the University of Michigan School of Music, also earning her bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in Violin Performance with High Honors.  Her career as a performer has taken her to Russia, Switzerland, Austria and the United States. 

Education

  • Azerbaijan National Conservatory
  • University of Michigan School of Music, BM and MM in violin performance

Teaching Experience

  • Clarkston Conservatory in Michigan (former)
  • Lecturer, University of Michigan鈥檚 School of Music, Theatre & Dance
  • Adjunct Faculty, Roosevelt University鈥檚 Master鈥檚 in Arts Administration
  • Lectures at Bowling Green State University, Penn State and Central Michigan University.