Who Is Caroline Shaw? Age, Biography and Wiki
Caroline Shaw, born on August 1, 1982, is an acclaimed American composer, singer, and violinist. At 43 years old in 2025, she has made a significant impact on contemporary classical music. Caroline rose to fame after winning the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2013 at the age of 30, making her one of the youngest recipients of this prestigious award. Her innovative approach to music blends varied genres, including classical, pop, and folk influences.
| Occupation | Violinist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 1, 1982 |
| Age | 43 Years |
| Birth Place | Greenville, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Caroline Shaw's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Caroline Shaw stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) and maintains a balanced weight of around 130 pounds (59 kg). Her body measurements are not widely publicized, as she often prefers to keep the focus on her music rather than her physical appearance.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Caroline Shaw remains private about her personal relationships. While there have been speculations regarding her romantic interests, she has not publicly disclosed information about a boyfriend or girlfriend. In interviews, Shaw often expresses a desire to keep her personal life separate from her professional endeavors, allowing her to maintain her focus on music and compositions.
She is distantly related through her mother to Chang and Eng Bunker, conjoined twins from then-Siam (now Thailand), who are her great-great-grandfather and great-great-great-uncle. At two years old, Shaw began playing the violin, being initially taught the Suzuki method by her mother Jon, a violinist and singer.
Early influences included the choir of her local Episcopal church and the organist there who frequently played Bach. NPR's Elena Saavedra Buckley notes that Shaw's "personal place of worship was in front of her Sony boombox radio.
She would call into the classical station and request a piece — a duet from The Magic Flute, say — and get ready to record it on cassette when it came on. If they aired the wrong duet, she would call back and correct them." She began writing music when she was 10 years old, mostly in imitation of the chamber music of Mozart and Brahms.
Net Worth and Salary
Caroline Shaw's estimated net worth in 2025 is around $2 million. Her income primarily comes from her renowned career as a composer, performances, and various music-related ventures. Additionally, her involvement in collaborations and commissions contributes to her earnings, allowing her to thrive in the competitive field of contemporary music.
Career, Business and Investments
Shaw’s career has flourished since her breakout moment over a decade ago. Known for her work with vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth, she has continued to push the boundaries of music through various projects. In 2025, Caroline is actively involved in composing for theatre productions and film scores. She has also ventured into teaching, sharing her expertise with aspiring musicians and composers.
In terms of investments, Caroline has shown interest in supporting arts-related nonprofits, emphasizing the importance of music education. By collaborating with different organizations, she aims to nurture talent in the next generation of musicians.
Social Network
Caroline Shaw has a significant presence on social media platforms. As of 2025, she is active on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where she shares insights into her creative process, upcoming projects, and glimpses of her personal life. Her followers appreciate her authenticity and the way she connects with her audience through music.
Shaw appeared as herself in season 4 of the Amazon Prime series Mozart in the Jungle, for a story line that involved a main character seeking to premiere her piece "Hi" in a competition for conductors. The piece was also played live at the series' release party, with Shaw conducting.
Education
Caroline Shaw pursued her education at the prestigious University of Richmond, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She subsequently completed her Master’s in Music Composition from Yale University. Her solid educational foundation provided her with the skills and knowledge required to excel in her career and contribute meaningfully to the world of contemporary music.
At university, her main focus was on violin performance, aiming to become an orchestral or chamber musician. Shaw received her Bachelor of Music (violin performance) from Rice University in 2004, and her master's degree (violin) from Yale University in 2007. She entered the PhD program in composition in Princeton University in 2010.