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Teaching Philosophy
Kat Wallace’s teaching philosophy pulls from many areas of study and thought. Trained classically, she starts beginner students with a foundation in Suzuki pedagogy, especially focusing and expanding on learning by ear. Oral tradition is an integral part of fiddle music in any style and with that alongside proper technique, Kat helps students find and connect their own voice with the instrument. She makes an effort to meet the student where they are, week to week, and fosters a healthy relationship with discipline and practice.
Teaching Biography
After graduating from Ithaca College in 2016 with a degree in Violin Performance, Kat Wallace returned to her hometown of Guilford, CT and started a thriving private studio. Consisting of violin and viola students ages 5-50, Kat has hosted numerous recitals and built lasting relationships with students and parents alike. She worked with Guilford Public Schools as musical director for their production of School of Rock in 2017, and as Orchestra Assistant helped to train over 200 beginner string students. She’s also been director of fiddle group The Skunk Misery Ramblers operating under the guise of famed concert series, Fire in the Kitchen in Madison, CT. Now that she’s located in Boston, Kat looks forward to continuing her work in education with Brookline Music School.
Performance Biography
Kat Wallace is a fiddle player with a focus in American and Celtic styles, her music-making centers around original and traditional tunes and songs utilizing tenor guitar, fiddle, viola and voice. She’s a founding member of the Askia Quartet established during her graduate studies at New England Conservatory in 2021. Before moving to Boston, Wallace graduated from Ithaca College School of Music in 2016 with a degree in violin performance and spent the years after performing in various projects including 5’n Change, Plywood Cowboy, River Run and as duo with David Sasso. She currently tours and records with Rachel Sumner and Traveling Light, winner of the John Lennon Folk song competition. She’s also working closely with the community at the famed folk venue, Club Passim, in Cambridge and looks forward to joining the BMS community while continuing to perform in and around Boston!
Education
New England Conservatory Contemporary Improvisation (completed 1 year)
Ithaca College School of Music Violin Performance Bachelor of Music