Teaching & Testimonials
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Featured Reviews
"Not only a world-class musician, Kate has a preternatural sense of what each musical moment calls for."
Sounding Post Audio Services, Los Angeles, 2012
"While participating in a mind-boggling range of performances – jazz, traditional and classical – Bevan-Baker has maintained a straight-A academic record."
The Guardian, PEI, 2009
Fallen Tree Records Echo Land Review: here.
"The trio continued to effectively transport us from a small town in P.E.I to shores on the other side of the Atlantic, where the melodies of these tunes were first brought into the world, and we have lived and danced for centuries"
The Press Reader, 2016
I have seldom enjoyed a course as much as I did yours. I was so impressed with how welcoming you were to senior students. I have encountered other professors who were unwelcoming and rude to those of us who were not regular students. The subject matter was so well presented and we had so many opportunities to learn about different facets of the music and practice what we learned in various situations. Given that this course was online in the middle of the pandemic it was so relaxing to have the Zoom meetings and then especially to do the homework. What could be more relaxing and fun than to watch videos of Irish musicians performing and to listen to music from some of my favourite Irish groups such as the Clancy brothers and The Chieftains. I also enjoyed learning the stories behind various songs such as "She Walked Through the Fair".
I have raved about both your course and your playing to many of my family and friends. I ordered your CD and really enjoy listening to it, as does my husband. We often put it on at night and we like to use the music to lull us to sleep. Thanks again for a great course.
- Helen Donahue, former Concordia University student.
I took professor Kate's Irish music course in 2021 winter. Although it was online class, she was very approachable, and also always prepared to help students. She always put many musical examples through the course materials, helping students to understand the Irish tune types and instruments. I will definitely take her course again!
- Ratemyprofessor.com, May 4th, 2021
Dear Kate, I want to thank you - not only were you the only teacher for me this semester to be active and to show up during classes, but you also made this semester fun for me. It has been extremely difficult trying to learn chemistry online especially since my teachers only do pre-recordings and I never actually see them and their office hours are e-mail based. It felt like I wasn’t even studying, like there was no purpose, but when Thursdays came around, it was different. Knowing that you were going to show up and that I was able to see your face as well as others that put their cameras on, it really meant a lot to me. There were times when I felt like I couldn’t do all this online learning, but showing up to your class and doing the assignments and working hard at improving my writing skills, it motivated me. Your class made me happy and I appreciate all the time you put into it.
- Shaeleigh Spracklin, Concordia undergraduate student (2021)
As a twenty-one year old who had not touched an instrument since the seventh grade, I was initially very nervous to pursue my interest in the violin. As the violin is such a complex instrument for someone with no musical background, I was concerned that I would give up out of frustration before even learning my first song. The nervous energy I felt melted away the moment I stepped into my first lesson with Kate. She is such a kind, patient, and motivating teacher, and her lessons have quickly become my favourite part of the week. Her passion for classical, jazz, and fiddle music is contagious and has really allowed me to fall in love with the violin. Her expertise and teaching methods have enabled me to see marked improvement in my playing abilities each week, and has allowed me to develop confidence in myself and to continue learning how to play new songs with her guidance. I would recommend Kate to anyone interested in the violin, whether they are a complete beginner, a seasoned musician, and no matter their age!
- Shaina Willison, Concordia University Student 2021
Whether the class is in person or online, I have thoroughly enjoyed taking Kate's Irish classes. She creates an environment that is welcoming to all students regardless of their level of knowledge in Irish music. The examples given and clear explanations allow for an enjoyable class. Her method in teaching allows students to engage with the musical material that is being taught in class. Kate is more than happy to answer students' questions to further their understanding with the course materials. Her love for Irish music, as well as its history, is evidently shown through her teaching. After taking one of her classes it was impossible not to enroll into another. I would take them all if I could.
- Téa Jovanovic, Concordia undergraduate student (2021)