Katie began playing piano as a child, and guitar as a freshmen in high school, inspiring a life-long passion for and career in music. She graduated college in 2012 with a Bachelor of Music, with an emphasis in classical guitar, where she had the privilege of studying with Daniel Gorklo (Danny Masters).
Katie also had the opportunity to study piano while in college and continues to play, especially enjoying piano as a way to explore classical music. Starting young students off on their piano journey and building a music foundation that will serve any future musical goals is one of her favorite parts of being a music instructor.
At Jammin’ Music Studios Katie teaches both piano and guitar (and ukulele) and loves working with students on both instruments in a variety of styles. She specializes in classical technique and foundational principles on the piano, and teaches electric, acoustic, and classical guitar. Her classical guitar experience in college has blossomed into a love of instrumental rock on the electric guitar, and she specializes in advanced rhythm and lead guitar techniques as well as teaching a variety of styles including blues, classic rock, and metal. Katie’s playing is influenced by artists such as Joe Satriani, Green Day, and Nita Strauss. She performs with the local Olympia Blues/Rock band Never Monday along with her husband and fellow Jammin’ instructor Steven Mathias.
STUDENT REVIEWS
“I have always dreamed of playing an instrument, unfortunately my family did not have the means to provide lessons in my youth. As a retired adult I set out to fulfill this desire. Having found a women musician who has the experience in classical guitar has been a goal of mine. Katie is a warm, sensitive and insightful instructor. She listens and understands where the student is in their journey. She has incredible credentials and is a highly skilled instructor.
The thing I enjoy most about my instruction, is the methodical process of learning basic music theory. For me, learning to read music has been as much an accomplishment as the actual learning to play the instrument. She creates an atmosphere that promotes learning the to read music as you learn to play the song. The combined results is an amazing accomplishment. It is rewarding to find that you have learned more than you thought . In my past experience with instruction, I found learning that was scattered- jumping from one thing to another, creating confusion, and disorienting the student ability to comprehend and integrate the process. For me, the time I have spent in class being taught by Katie has been very clear and concise and allowed me the clarifying instruction I required. I have found my experience with Katie to be personally enriching. I would recommend Katie without reservation, she is a remarkable music teacher.” -Linda