Biography

Jennifer Catherine earned her B.M. in Violin Performance and Honors Humanities from Azusa Pacific University (APU). She started violin in middle school and has been playing for ten years. In high school, she studied with violinist Elise Goodman — a graduate of Juilliard and the grand niece of Benny Goodman. While she played in her high school orchestras and ensembles, she also participated in multiple groups outside of school, such as the Colburn Youth Orchestra and Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra. Over the summer during her high school years, Jennifer also participated in the Idyllwild Symphony Orchestra Intensive and the Idyllwild Chamber Festival, where she developed her orchestral and ensemble skills under esteemed faculty members. Jennifer was also granted the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic just as she was entering college, and performed with them in November 2021. During her time at APU, she trained under the guidance of violinists Min Jung Park and Yuki Mori, who are also graduates of Juilliard and were students of the famous violinist Jascha Heifetz — who is still currently perceived by many to be one of the greatest violinists who ever lived. She also played in APU's Symphony Orchestra, Studio Orchestra, and played in multiple chamber ensembles. In Symphony Orchestra, she has held leadership positions such as principal second violinist and concertmistress. In addition, Jennifer has been selected to play in different masterclasses at APU, and was able to work with esteemed musicians such as Alejandro Drago, Sara Dragan, and Melinda Lee Masur of the Lee Trio. Upon graduation, Jennifer participated in the Montecito International Music Festival on scholarship, where she observed numerous masterclasses held by revered faculty members and performed in a chamber group coached by pianist Inga Kapouler Gartner. Outside of her studies, she has also played at a number of weddings over the course of her ten years of playing and studying violin, helping her clients achieve their desired atmosphere for their special day. Additionally, she has also performed in nursing homes and funeral services with the aim of using the gift of music to provide solace and comfort to her audience. Jennifer is deeply appreciative for everything her teachers have taught her and is grateful for the love and support they continue to show her to this day. She hopes to continue to use the skills she has gained from her teachers to help, inspire, and serve others in every avenue of music, whether it be performing or teaching.