Katy has been like a part of our family for over seven years now. My daughter Maggie decided that she wanted to learn violin when she saw a fiddle band at a music festival the summer she turned three. She started out with Katy with Suzuki method lessons, and coming from a musical family myself, I really enjoyed the parent participation of Suzuki. Over the years, as Katy began to study and play more fiddle music, Maggie's interest changed as well, and now their lessons focus on fiddle tunes. Katy encouraged Maggie to enter the Colorado Fiddle Championships at the Stock Show the year she was eight, and she won her age category! Katy is a great teacher and can find just the right way to encourage and challenge each student. She builds a great base of skill and good musical habits, giving students confidence in their learning and abilities, and always sets the bar high to encourage growth and improvement. We love Katy, and can't imagine fiddle or violin without her! 

Jenn Hronkin, mother of Maggie (10) 

How cool is it when a 12 year old kid is watching Olympic coverage, and gets excited about some background music... "Oh, hey, I know that song I played it!" Can't claim any credit for it, but my kid has a little culture. :) 

Jim O’Dowd, father of Cole (12) and Trevor (7) 

Katy has been the perfect teacher to introduce our daughter to the violin. She has patiently helped her maneuver the intricacies of starting this complex instrument. She has been kind and thoughtful at every step to insure that our daughter feels successful yet challenged. A lifelong love of the violin has been sparked, so it has been well worth the drive from 30 minutes away! Katy is the best! 

Emily and John McCluskey, parents of Grace (10) 

Our 7 year old daughter started lessons with Katy over a year ago. We consider ourselves extremely lucky to have found Katy as an instructor. She is dedicated to her teaching and it shows in her interaction with her students and her overall teaching style. As a parent herself, she is excellent at redirecting her younger students and focusing them on the task at hand. She teaches her students the fundamentals and techniques that will allow them to grow as they progress in their lessons. She keeps them interested by allowing them to choose songs and melodies that are of interest to them. Her recitals are truly enjoyable, well organized and a great way for the kids to show off their skills. We had looked around at a few instructors when we first wanted our daughter to take lessons, but when we talked with Katy, we instantly knew it would be a great fit. We have been extremely happy with the decision. We would recommend Katy as an instructor to anyone considering violin/fiddle lessons. 

Mario and Shannon Maldari, parents of Emerson (7)