about katie

Katie Smith is a versatile performer and educator located in the NE Ohio area. Born in Auburn, OH, Katie began studying clarinet at age 11 and went on to study Clarinet Performance at the University of Cincinnati where she studied with Ronald Aufmann and Christopher Pell, both of the Cincinnati Symphony. During her time in Cincinnati, Katie was an avid performer in local ensembles as well as a group and private clarinet lessons instructor at El Sistema MyCincinnati after-school orchestra program for four years. Katie went on to pursue a Master of Music in Clarinet at the Cleveland Institute of Music where she studied with Afendi Yusuf, Principal Clarinetist of The Cleveland Orchestra, and Robert Woolfrey, Second Clarinetist of The Cleveland Orchestra. Katie regularly performs with the Firelands Symphony Orchestra, The Snowbelt Symphony, and The Cleveland Orchestra Festival Band at Blossom Music Center. As a student, Katie was a member of the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, and several honor bands across Ohio. She is passionate about helping students achieve their goals and excel in extracurricular Ohio music programs. Katie has taught privately for over 10 years and holds a teaching certificate in Eurhythmics from the Cleveland Institute of Music.

In addition to clarinet teaching, Katie has a strong background in education ranging from pre-K and elementary settings to specialized education programs for neurodiverse students. She is extremely passionate about bringing musical opportunities to diverse audiences, including students with academic or social/emotional challenges. She has served as an aide at various specialized programs including Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center, and Wings of Change Therapy School. Katie firmly believes there is no student who cannot find their musical voice, and tailors her instruction to individual student needs.

Outside of music, Katie loves to ride horses and owns a hobby farm where she raises chickens and a trio of baby goats. She is an avid kayaker and lover of nature.