Kate was born in Derbyshire and started to play the cello at the age of 5 when her family moved to St Albans in Hertfordshire. 

She studied at the junior department of the Royal Academy of Music and at the age of 18 continued her studies there with Lionel Handy and David Strange. She was then awarded a Dean's scholarship to study at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles with Lynn Harrell. 

On her return she joined the CBSO as a tutti player. After 4 years she was appointed to the sub-principal position which she still holds. 

Since joining the CBSO Kate has also worked with other orchestras such as the LSO, Philharmonia, RPO, Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Scottish Ensemble, BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Halle. 

In addition to this she has been a regular performer in the Centre Stage chamber music series and she has particularly enjoyed participating in several different CBSO outreach projects, playing to and working with schoolchildren with special needs and people with dementia. 

Her young twin boys keep her active, with walks and bike rides in the Warwickshire countryside being family favourites.