Catherine Caton started playing the harp at a young age, beginning lessons at the Eastman Community Music School in Rochester, NY with Dr. Nan Gullo Bassett. She has freelanced in the community for over fifteen years and taught privately for ten of those years. In her younger years, she served as principal harpist of the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. During her time with the RPYO, she was the winner of the Rochester Philharmonic League’s Helen Greer instrumental award.

Following high school, she enlisted in the Marine Corps as a musician before returning to Rochester to earn her degree in harp and a Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music under the instruction of Professor Kathleen Bride.

Catherine’s most recent orchestral engagements include principal harpist of The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes and principal harpist of the New Texas Symphony Orchestra. In addition, she has been guest principal with the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, Symphony New Hampshire, and the Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra. Her fellowships include two seasons at the Lake George Music Festival. Catherine’s mission as a teacher is to increase the accessibility of the harp as well as develop the “musician first” mindset. As a performer, she strives to present a polished, professional, impactful product that showcases the musical capabilities of her instrument.