Native Houstonian Katie Butler is currently pursuing a master’s degree in violin performance at Juilliard under David Chan and Areta Zhulla. She holds a bachelor’s degree with Distinction in Research and Creative Works from the Shepherd School of Music, having studied with Kathleen Winkler. She made her solo debut with the Houston Symphony at age 15, and has also appeared as a soloist with Virtuosi of Houston and the Sewanee Summer Music Festival Orchestra. An avid orchestral player, she has performed as concertmaster of the Shepherd School Symphony, Westside Chamber Players, and Virtuosi of Houston. Equally at home in chamber music, she has performed alongside Jon Kimura Parker and Sabina Thatcher and received top recognition in the 2019 Coltman Competition. Festival appearances include Sarasota Music Festival, Pacific Music Festival, Madeline Island Chamber Music Fellowship Program, Bowdoin International Music Festival, and Sewanee Summer Music Festival. She is especially interested in passing a love for music to the next generation: she maintains a private studio and is proud to participate in Juilliard's Morse and Gluck Fellowship programs to deepen her involvement in the broader NYC community. She also enjoys crocheting and pampering her pet bearded dragon, Marigold.