"MUSIC IS THE DIVINE WAY TO TELL BEAUTIFUL, POETIC THINGS TO THE HEART" -PABLO CASALS
Katie currently resides in Tucker, GA, working as a performer and teacher in the greater Atlanta area. She has a passion for teaching secure fundamentals in cello technique to students of all ages, striving to instill the joy that comes with the ability to play well. As a pursuant of cello pedagogy, she has sought teacher training across multiple philosophies including those based in folk music. She is a certified Suzuki cello teacher and member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas. She is also an active member of the American String Teachers Association.
Katie has performed in orchestral settings throughout the United States and abroad. Her traveling performance career has included 3 extensive tours of China performing film music and a tour of the eastern United States with Academy Award-winning actress Shirley Jones. In Georgia, she performs with many of the regional symphonies in the state including the Macon Symphony, Savannah Philharmonic, Symphony Orchestra Augusta, Rome Symphony, and Valdosta Symphony. She holds core positions with the LaGrange Symphony and Albany Symphony, serving as acting principal for the latter of the two. Outside of the orchestral world, she performs regularly as a contract artist for churches and music projects throughout the state.
Katie has a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky. She studied there with the lauded teacher and performer Paul York. Additional teachers include Debbie Caruso and Natasha Farney. During her education, she attended the Sewanee Summer Music Festival in Sewanee, Tennessee, a total of 6 times, serving as section principal in the highest-level student orchestra on multiple occasions. Passionate about chamber music, Katie also performs regularly in settings such as weddings and gallery events.
Katie believes that learning to use the cello as an extension of the self is a continuous and joyous process. This personal harmony is an element Katie strives to instill in her students and her audiences.