Vaysia Knust can’t pinpoint exactly when music first took root in her heart — but according to family lore, her mother sang to her in the womb. After she was born, her father joined in, serenading her with songs from his rock band repertoire.

By age 3, Knust was singing. By 5, she was performing. And by 10, she was writing original songs.  

This weekend, the Blue Springs, Missouri, native will once again step into the spotlight — this time to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Old Missouri” at her commencement ceremony for the University of Missouri College of Arts and Science. It’s the perfect crescendo to the music major’s Mizzou journey.

“I have known since career day in elementary school that I wanted to perform and sing,” she said. “What better way to end my time at Mizzou than to sing at my graduation.”

Perfect pitch

This won’t be Knust’s first time performing at a Mizzou commencement ceremony. She previously took the stage at the university’s December 2024 graduation, impressing the audience — including University of Missouri President Mun Choi, who was so moved by her vocals that he personally invited her to perform again this spring.

“That was pretty exciting,” she admitted.

Knust has known the words to Mizzou’s alma mater for as long as she can remember, having grown up singing it with her grandmother — a proud Mizzou alumna. Her grandmother, who went on to become a math teacher, was the reason she chose Mizzou — and they still sing “Old Missouri” every time they see each other.

By the time she applied, Knust was already familiar with Mizzou, having visited several times for state singing competitions.

“I just fell in love with the beauty of the campus,” she said. “Once I set foot on campus, I was hooked.”

Rock ’n’ opera

Every year since coming to Mizzou, Knust has performed in the Show-Me Opera program, which has been among the most rewarding aspects of her college experience.

“I’ve loved the opportunity to step on stage and bring a wide range of characters to life. In addition, my major requires two solo recitals, which have significantly broadened my repertoire,” she said. “These experiences have not only deepened my skills as a performer but also added valuable roles to my resume and given me meaningful, real-world performance experience.”

Training for opera has also done wonders for her vocals as the lead singer in a rock band called Chronokinesis. The five-member group, which writes many of its own songs, has already released an EP and four singles and is working on an album.

“Opera assists me in being able to do crazier things with my voice than other singers,” Knust said, adding that a technique she’s learned has helped preserve her voice. “I can scream in my rock songs without damaging my voice.”

Continue reading on Show Me Mizzou for a Q&A with Knust about her Mizzou experience.