Katherine Schmit is a performing and teaching artist based out of Madison, Wisconsin. She is the brass instructor and manager for the Wilder Deitz School for Creative Music and a founding member of The Wayword Ensemble. In the Spring of 2025, Katherine earned a master’s degree in trumpet performance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she studied with Jean Laurenz. She earned her bachelors degree in music education with an emphasis in trumpet performance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Katherine is an active performer in the Madison area, playing with the Madison Symphony, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, the Wisconsin Chamber Choir, Madison Chamber Players, Robin Quintet, and The Wayword Ensemble. In addition to playing with Wayword, she is a composer and arranger for the group.

For over six years, Katherine has taught trumpet lessons to students of all ages. She has a passion for helping her students find their unique artistic voice. She takes a holistic approach to music teaching, setting her students up to become lifelong music makers. Outside of trumpet playing and teaching, Katherine is a composer, arranger, poet, dancer, and more.