Kathy Sierra

Violinist • Vocalist • Composer • Educator

Kathy Sierra is an accomplished California-based violinist, vocalist, composer, and arranger whose eclectic musical DNA spans classical orchestras, traditional Celtic folk, and swing jazz.. A lifelong performer with a weakness for gourmet coffee, her dynamic career blends international touring with a deep passion for music education.

Early Beginnings to Classical Stage

-Early Milestones: Began violin at age 5 and debuted with the Honolulu Symphony at just 7 years old.

-Symphonic Excellence: Concurrently excelled as the youngest member of the Sierra Symphony and served as Concertmistress and featured soloist for the Principia College Music Ensemble.

-Decorated Scholar: Holds a BA in Drama (Emphasis on Music) from Principia College, where she was honored with the Francis Van Der Meid Smith Music Award for musical excellence and the Frank Parker Theatre Award.

Genre-Bending & Global Touring

After college, Kathy’s style took an eye-opening turn in Berkeley, CA under the mentorship of Kaila Flexer, expanding her classical mastery into Irish/Scottish fiddle, Bulgarian folk, Klezmer, and jazz.

Golden Bough: Since 2001, she has actively toured the West Coast and internationally with the acclaimed Celtic folk trio, completing 10 recordings including their April 2023 album, Westering Home. GB continues to record and tour up and down the west coast.
​Jazz & Roots: Featured on the debut album Samois Faire with the swing jazz quintet Vive Le Jazz. She currently performs classic rock and Americana throughout Contra Costa County with the Dawgwood Trio.

Pedagogy & Musical Mentorship

Dedicated to training the next generation of musicians, Kathy studied vocals under renowned coach Jane Sharp and completed teacher-training under Suzuki Master Judy Bossuat. Her private teaching studio integrates the Suzuki Violin Method, Mark O'Connor methodologies, and traditional Celtic-style instruction. Strum-and-fun method- helps beginners master basic guitar/ukulele chord techniques seamlessly paired with vocal performance.