Katherine Maitland

Key details:

Department:
Guildhall Young Artists Taunton
Role:
Woodwinds Tutor
Katherine has a BA Hons from the University of York, where she focused on performance and studied flute with Liz Parry, going on to win the Concerto Prize (performing the Flute Concerto by Nielsen). She also became a member of the Azarian Wind Quintet which gave numerous concerts in and around York.
 
While at university Katherine developed a real love of contemporary music and was a founder member of Icebreaker, an ensemble that specialises in performing new and newly commissioned music, often using electronics and amplification. In this ensemble Katherine also learnt to play the pan pipes. Icebreaker made several tours of the USA (the Bang on a Can Festival in New York being one of the highlights) as well as tours of Europe and Arts Council Tours of the UK, including the Meltdown Festival on the South Bank. Also while a member of the ensemble Katherine made several recordings for the Argo record label.
 
After leaving university, Katherine taught flute and went on to study for her PGCE at Roehampton Institute and started working for East Sussex County Music Service. Whilst working in East Sussex Katherine not only got the opportunity to give individual and group lessons, conduct ensembles and lead summer schools, she was also able to work alongside some amazing flute teachers (Liz Goodwin and Janina Byrne being just a couple) and learnt so much and really developed her teaching style.
 
After a very brief stint as a bed and breakfast landlady on the Isle of Wight, Katherine moved to Cornwall, and more recently to Taunton where she is now working for Somerset Music as well as Guildhall Young Artists Taunton, in addition to freelancing as both a player and a teacher - teaching flute, clarinet, saxophone and pian).
 
Even though Katherine has been teaching for over 40 years she says her pupils still teach her something new almost every day! She continues to have an interest in modern music, and also film and film music. 
 
As well as work, she is kept busy by her 2 grown up children and 2 naughty dogs!
 
To enquire about tuition with Katherine at GYA Taunton please email gyataunton@gsmd.ac.uk or call 07754 217993.