Kate's Biography

Kate Mathews is a passionate conductor, bassist, cellist, and music educator with more than 15 years of experience teaching in public schools, universities, and community music programs. As an active performer, she maintains a busy playing career with ensembles throughout the region, including the Black Hills Symphony Orchestra, Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, Rapid City Municipal Band, South Dakota Jazz Orchestra, and Powder River Symphony.

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Mathews is the Founder and Director of Music and Education for the Black Hills Youth Orchestra, where she conducts beginning, intermediate, and advanced ensembles and provides instrumental instruction. She has also taught at the University of South Dakota, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Concordia University-Nebraska, and Adams State University, teaching orchestra, string methods, music theory, aural skills, conducting, and undergraduate bass and cello.

As a conductor and clinician, Mathews has worked with school, collegiate, and community ensembles throughout the region, including the South Dakota Music Educators’ Association Middle School All-State Orchestra and Rapid City Area Schools Strings in Concert. She also serves as an adjudicator and clinician for string festivals and competitions.

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Mathews holds a Master of Music in Double Bass Performance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of South Dakota. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, focusing her studies on the symphonies and overtures of Emilie Mayer.