Kate Ryan was born and raised in Memphis. She started playing violin at age 8 and joined Memphis Youth Symphony Program the following year. Kate received her Bachelor of Music degree from the Rudi E Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis, and since that time has worked consistently in the music industry, both in Memphis and around the world. She has soloed with orchestras in California, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Italy. Additionally, she sat concertmaster in the Jackson Symphony in Jackson, TN for 10 seasons and is currently Principal Second with the North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra in Tupelo. She also works consistently as a freelance musician and teacher in the greater Memphis area, exploring all styles of music and working with a wide range of musicians. When she isn’t playing, Kate works as a music arranger and orchestrator, does bow rehair and repair work, and serves as the Vice President for Local 71 of the American Federation of Musicians.