I grew up in the Bay Area, California, where I studied classical violin under the acclaimed teacher Nance Mitchell, and then under the world touring gypsy violinist Greg Mazmanian. As a young musician I was the concert mistress of Sequoia Middle School, Ygnacio Valley High School, Young People's Youth Orchestra, Young Artists Symphony Orchestra, Cazadero Music Camp, and Stanislaus Music Camp.

 

In 2008 I attended the University of Nevada, Reno, with a music scholarship where I played first violin in the symphony orchestra under the baton of Dr. Jason Altieri. While at university, I performed up and down the west coast with the classically driven Silver Strings Quartet and the traditional Irish band Whisky Before Breakfast. 

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In 2014 I moved to Portland, Oregon to pursue music as my full time career. Since then I have toured the world playing music at hundreds of concerts and venues with a variety of bands and artists. All that experience further distilled my love for Celtic fiddle music, and helped shape my current performance and teaching focus.

 

Today I perform and tour as the Katie Jane Band where I play fiery hot traditional and original fiddle tunes in a style much like Liz Carroll or Alasdair Fraser, but with my own high energy bluesy twist. As the Katie Jane Band I've recorded two albums, Stanton Street Sessions (2019) and Welsh Fiddle Tunes (2019). To learn more about my music and performances visit www.katiejaneband.com!

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I also started a musical outreach program called Hands On Music where I take old or damaged instruments and give them a new life with fun painted themes and inviting colorful lights. These special instruments I take to school assemblies, music festivals, and family friendly events all over the Northwest so kids of all ages can try playing an instrument for the first time! My "Magical Music Petting Zoo" has been such huge part of my passion and goal to share the love of music making with future generations.!

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When not performing and touring with my musical outreach program, I teach students of all ages and backgrounds at my home studio in SE Portland and online. I teach a variety of musical genres from classical to Irish fiddle to Klezmer to bluegrass. I also teach two group classes- an Irish fiddle class where students learn completely by ear and an ensemble class where students get the opportunity to play and perform in a small group setting.