Katie Butler embraces nuance, community through violin

By Angelica Hernandez     4/1/25 11:12pm

Katie Butler didn’t enjoy playing the violin when she started at four years old – it wasn’t until middle school, when she got to play with an orchestra, that she discovered her passion for the instrument. Now, she’s majoring in violin performance at the Shepherd School of Music and enjoying every moment. 

“[Playing with an orchestra] really lit me up in a way I didn’t think was possible,” said Butler, a Jones College senior.

According to Butler, she chose Rice both for its renowned orchestra program and the unique community of music students. 

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“A lot of [programs], especially the ones that are this high a level, are very cutthroat and competitive,” Butler said. “I find the environment actually really collaborative.  We all realize that we’re all good, and we’re all just trying to lift each other towards our goals.”

This aspect of community aligns with Butler’s philosophy towards playing the violin. She said she believes that every musician has their own cocktail of strengths and weaknesses and something to share with their peers. 

“I love playing more lyrical pieces where I can dig into the nuances of each note,” Butler said. “I get a little more insecure when it comes to faster, more technical playing, whereas a lot of my peers excel at that, so I can look up to them in that regard.”

A highlight of her Rice experience, Butler said, was participating in Shepherd’s “Just for U Music Program,” a community outreach initiative. As part of this program, Butler and fellow Jones senior Zev Malina were given the opportunity to create a musical presentation for middle school students. “Playing for kids, I find, is just a totally different experience than playing for peers and adults because it’s just so low pressure,” Butler said. “The kids will be impressed no matter what you do, and seeing their lit-up faces and smiles, it makes it feel like it’s all worth it.” 

Another aspect of Rice that Butler said has benefited her is the opportunity to have friends outside of Shepherd.

“They’re some of my most cherished friendships,” Butler said. “When you’re in the environment at Shepherd all the time, it’s easy to feel like just another cog in the machine, but when you go outside … having people who think what you do is really cool is sometimes a much-needed ego boost.”

Kathleen Winkler, the Dorothy Richard Starling Professor of Classical Violin and Butler’s studio professor and mentor,  said Butler has been an exceptional student throughout her time at Rice. 

“As a violinist, she is a remarkable blend of talent, passion, temperament, and resilience,” Winkler said. “As a person, she is as authentic as they come, always speaking her truth with kind conviction. Katie’s effervescent personality is recognized and admired by all who meet her.” Looking toward the future, Butler said she hopes to start a master’s program on the East or West Coast and make connections in a place outside of Houston. 

“I’ve been in Houston all my life,” Butler said. “I was born and raised here, so that means I’ve made a lot of great connections, but I’m really looking forward to establishing a new life in a different city.”

Reflecting on her time at Rice, Butler said she would encourage current students to remember themselves while focusing on their passions.

“As a musician, especially at Shepherd, it’s really easy to let your identity, like ‘Katie the violinist,’ take over your whole personality,” Butler said. “I find that now that I’ve started doing other things, like camping and tennis, that has benefited my music in ways that I couldn’t access being ‘Katie the violinist’ all the time.”

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