Born and educated in Christchurch, Katherine began playing in orchestras and chamber groups at a young age through the Christchurch School of Instrumental Music.

She pursued a Bachelor of Music in performance violin at the University of Canterbury, under the guidance of Carl Pini and Jan Tawroszewicz.

After graduating with honours in 1986, Katherine auditioned for a casual role with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and in 1987 she was offered a permanent position in the second violins.

She has remained there ever since, apart from a one-year contract in the viola section, which she retains as a casual position.