Kathleen Jarrell

On Stage

Violinist Kathleen Jarrell was born and grew up in South Bend, Indiana. Her first lessons were with members of the International String Quartet, in residence at Indiana University at South Bend. As a high school student, she was the first violinist of the winning string quartet in the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, Junior Division. Kathy earned her Bachelor of Music degree at Eastman School of Music, having studied with Peter Salaaf of the Cleveland Quartet and with Lynn Blakeslee. Following her undergraduate studies, Kathy spent a year at Rice University's Shepherd School of Music working towards her Master's degree. At Rice, she studied with Camilla Wicks. Kathy finished her Master of Music degree at Northern Illinois University where she was a student of Shmuel Ashkenasi of the Vermeer Quartet.

Immediately after earning her MM degree, Kathy won her position of Assistant Principal Second Violinist of the Charlotte Symphony. In addition to performing with the CSO, Kathy devotes much time to teaching private violin students and coaching youth groups. She has taught at Arts+ Summer Orchestra Camp since 2004. Kathy has been a violin coach with Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra since 1995, and is also a violin coach with Youth Orchestras of Charlotte.

Kathy is married to CSO stage manager, John Jarrell. The Jarrells have three grown children.

Favorite concert experience with the CSO: Accompanying incredible soloists such as Joshua Bell and Yo Yo Ma.