Katharine Brockman grew up in a musical family in Geelong, and made the change from violin to viola at the age of 15 to form a family string quartet with her sisters. She studied viola with Keith Crellin and Jan Sedivka, and has never looked back, relishing the role the instrument takes in both chamber music and orchestral repertoire.
Katharine joined the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1992, and was appointed Principal Viola the following year at the age of 25. During her time in this role she made a number of solo appearances with the Orchestra, and acted as Guest Principal with the Sydney and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras. In 2011, for family and personal reasons, Katharine stepped down from the principal position, and became an enthusiastic member of the viola section, a position she continues to enjoy. Currently Katharine is a regular guest with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, occasional guest with the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, and has a growing number of students of all ages and stages. Katharine feels passionately about the constant quest for greater knowledge and understanding of both teaching and playing.
