Book
Kate holding violin and viola against a starfield

violin & viola instruction

Solace Viola

The instrument has been waiting for you.

Book a free meet-up
Kate on stage with violin at orchestra stand

the teacher

Kate Hamlin

Kate has been playing since childhood and performing since she was a teenager. She has sat in orchestras, played in living rooms, and taught students from age five to sixty-something. She teaches violin and viola — both instruments, all levels, all ages.

Her approach is simple: music belongs to everyone. Not just the people who started young, or who practice perfectly, or who have the right background. Everyone. If the instrument is calling you, that is reason enough.

Lessons are held in-home in Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia. Online options available.

background

22 Years in the Pacific Northwest

Freelance professional violinist and violist — performing in musical theater pit bands, classical symphonies, chamber ensembles, and recording.

performance

Ensign Symphony & Chorus
Assistant Principal Viola
2017 — present
Olympia Symphony Orchestra
Principal Second Violin
2014 — 2019
Spokane Civic Theater
Lead Violinist
2010 — 2012

education

WGU
MA Education Studies — Elementary Education
2020 — 2024
Eastern Washington University
BA Interdisciplinary Studies
2003 — 2017
Seattle Conservatory of Music
Violin & Viola
1999 — 2003

what we do here

Violin & Viola Lessons

All ages. All levels. Beginners welcomed with no apology.

Beginners

You have never held a bow. That is fine. Kate has started hundreds of students from zero. You will make a terrible sound at first. That is also fine. It gets beautiful faster than you think.

Returning Students

You played as a child and stopped. Years passed. Now the instrument is calling again. Come back. There is no shame in the gap — only music on the other side of it.

Children

Kate teaches children with patience, humor, and a belief that kids know when music is real. No pressure. No performance anxiety manufactured before it needs to be. Just the joy of sound.

Viola

The viola is the instrument people discover when they are ready to stop being ordinary. Kate plays viola and loves it unreasonably. She will make you love it too.

rates

Simple, Transparent Pricing

In-Home Lesson
$85
30 minutes · Seattle, Tacoma & Olympia
Online Lesson
$40
30 minutes · Available anywhere

let's meet

Meet the Teacher

No commitment. Just a conversation — about where you are, where you want to go, and whether we're a good fit. Fifteen minutes. No charge.