Whether it’s performing in a ballet pit, at acclaimed jazz venues, with a renowned symphony, at a private party, in a Broadway production, or in the recording studio, Kate Mayfield does it all with her violin. Kate is a dynamic and versatile violinist who is eager to share the gift of music with the world.  

As a classically trained violinist, Kate appreciates the sophistication and elegance of classical music. Her refined playing has allowed her to perform with a wide array of prestigious groups, including the Grammy Award-winning San Francisco Ballet Orchestra, the Utah Symphony, and the Ballet West Orchestra. Most recently, she won a position with the Boise Philharmonic. Kate has served as Concertmaster for both the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Symphony Orchestra and the SFCM Opera Orchestra since 2021. Additionally, She had the honor of working with renowned conductor Michael Tilson Thomas on Appalachian Spring. Her extensive background makes her a sought-after violinist, and she frequently substitutes with major orchestras across the United States, including the Utah, California, Oakland, Vallejo, Modesto, and Tulsa Symphonies.

However, Kate’s passion for the violin extends far beyond the conventional classical boundaries. She thoroughly enjoys jazz, Broadway, pop, folk, fiddle, and Disney music. This has led her to perform in a variety of diverse settings, most recently with 8-time Grammy Award-winning artist Ms. Lauryn Hill. Kate also has recently played at the SFJAZZ with acclaimed artists Chris Potter, Brian Blade, Craig Taborn, and Scott Colley. Additionally, Kate was Concertmaster of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival orchestra. In the Broadway world, Kate as shared the stage with artists such as Hugh Panaro, Joshua Henry, Scarlett Strallen, Anneliese van der Pol, Benjamin Rauhala, Christy Altomare, Syndee Winters, Adam Levy, Shoba Narayan, and Anne Runolfsson. Also in musical theater, Kate was a violinist in the San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s production of Little Women and was the violin soloist in their production of The Color of Love, which was its world premier. Additionally, Kate has played violin with the rock band Guster, the funk-jazz band Lettuce, and the American Idol singer LaKisha Jones.

Kate's experience and versatility make her popular among event planners. She skillfully adjusts her performance style to fit a variety of requests, whether it's for a wedding, dinner party, corporate event, church service, or a casual evening at a bar. Kate uses both her acoustic and electric violins as well as her extensive repertoire to set the atmosphere for each event. She is loved by her clients for her expertise, professionalism, and willingness to try something new.

In addition to performing live, Kate is a passionate recording artist. Most recently, she recorded violin for “A Fiance for Christmas,” starring Marie Osmond and composed by Annie Rosevear. She has also provided her talent to a radio opera, library stock recording sessions, and other private recordings for projects such as songs, samples, and scores. Kate is respected and praised by her collaborators for her communication, efficiency, flexibility, and care for the final product.

Kate is currently pursuing a Professional Studies Certificate in Violin Performance at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, studying with Cordula Merks. In 2024, she earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance also at SFCM, where she studied with Simon James. Her other influential teachers include David Park, Lucy Shaw, Mihoko Hirata, and Yuko Honda.

Click here to download Kate’s complete artistic resume.

Click here to read Kate’s interview on VoyageUtah Magazine to learn more about her story.