About
Kate Bivona is a Tempe, Arizona–based violinist, guitarist, singer-songwriter, and educator. She holds a Master of Music in classical violin performance from the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied with Brian Lewis, and a Bachelor of Music from Arizona State University, studying with Dr. Katie McLin.
Classically trained, Kate brings a versatile voice to her work, seamlessly spanning genres from classical to alternative. Since 2014, she has performed and recorded with Americana, indie, and rock bands. Beginning in 2017, she has written and performed original music under the name Dirt Skirt, while remaining an active collaborator and frequent performer across the Phoenix metropolitan area in both classical and contemporary settings.
In addition to performing, Kate is a passionate educator who offers private lessons for students from beginner to advanced levels. She is certified in Every Child Can and Suzuki Book 1 for violin, having trained with Laurie Scott. Since 2013, she has taught students of all ages, specializing in classical technique, old-time fiddle, and improvisation. She believes that anyone can learn to play the violin regardless of their level of musical experience.
Violin Performance
Kate Bivona is a multi-faceted violinist known for her versatility across genres including indie, old-time fiddle, rock, pop, and classical. She holds a Master’s degree in performance from the University of Texas at Austin and maintains an active performing and recording career throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Violin Lessons
In addition to performing, Kate is a passionate educator with over 13 years of teaching experience. She has taught private violin lessons, coached chamber music with the Austin Chamber Music Center, and led orchestra sectionals at Dobson High School in Mesa. She is certified in Every Child Can and Suzuki Book 1 after training under Dr. Laurie Scott. Her private violin studio is located in Tempe, Arizona and serves children as young as six to adults in their 70’s. She teaches beginning to advanced students in classical, old-time fiddle, and improvisation.
Dirt Skirt
Kate is a guitarist and singer-songwriter for Dirt Skirt, a band blending punk, folk, and rock into a sharp, uncompromising sound. Following the release of their debut album in April 2023, Dirt Skirt offers scathing critiques of patriarchy and capitalism alongside honest explorations of mental health and the cultural forces that shape it.
Creative Writing
Kate is a creative non-fiction writer and poet whose work centers grief, family, and the experience of being a woman navigating a misogynistic culture.
