Katie Webster

Bio

Katie Webster is an American saxophonist, composer, and improviser from Seattle, Washington. Her music captures a raw and expressive approach to improvisation and explores a spectrum of distinctive soundscapes through layers of playful and often dissonant counterpoint.

A 2022 graduate of the Berklee College of Music, Webster went on to pursue her master’s degree at the Global Jazz Institute, studying with artists such as Danilo Pérez, Joe Lovano, John Patitucci, Dave Liebman, Gary Bartz, and Tia Fuller. She is the 22nd recipient and first female awardee of the prestigious Jimmy Lyons Scholarship, presented by Berklee in conjunction with the Monterey Jazz Festival. At Berklee, she was accepted for several collaborative musical programs including the Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice, where she had the opportunity to learn from celebrated musicians Terri Lyne Carrington, Kris Davis, Linda May Han Oh, and Val Jeanty. Webster also studied privately with Tony Malaby, George Garzone, Godwin Louis, Marquis Hill, and Francisco Mela.

In October 2022, Webster was commissioned by the Mass Art Art Museum to write and perform a composition inspired by the life and contributions of Elizabeth “Mumbet” Freeman. She premiered her work in collaboration with Joana Vasconcelos’ Valkyrie Mumbet, a large-scale multimedia installation, performing her composition alongside JGJ mentors Terri Lyne Carrington and Kris Davis. Webster has performed as a featured soloist with the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, and in the Conservatorium van Amsterdam Keep an Eye Large Ensemble alongside featured artist Dick Oatts. Webster has been invited to perform as part of the 2023 GRAMMY Museum Affiliate Collective, opening for Marcus Miller, säje, and the Diva Jazz Orchestra at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival.

Webster’s recent performance highlights include the Bern International Jazz Festival, Vermont Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, and Lincoln Center. Webster currently resides in Boston, where she studies and performs around the east coast. Fascinated by the relationship between music, storytelling, and visual media, she is currently working on her first EP consisting of interdisciplinary tributes to women activists throughout history.