Kate Calwell started life in Melbourne, where she learned cello from some well-known teachers of the time, including Marianne Hunt and Phillip Green. She completed her Bachelor of Arts (Mus) at the Victorian College of the Arts in 1982, then spent several years teaching cello in both public and private schools around Melbourne, while performing with various professional and amateur orchestras, including the Victorian State Opera Company and the Chamber Players of Melbourne.
In late 1986, Kate fulfilled a long-held dream of moving to Tasmania to study with leading TSO cellist, Christian Wojtowicz. The following two years of study, while completing her Grad Dip (Mus) at the Conservatorium in Hobart, involved tackling severe performance anxiety head on - important work, but definitely not comfortable!
Kate went on to gain a position in the TSO cello section, which she held for more than five years, until she chose to devote her energies towards raising her three extraordinary children (including two with significant developmental challenges). Over time, Kate returned to teaching and playing cello, and currently performs with various ensembles, including Pillinger and Alpine String quartets, and Hobart Chamber Orchestra. She joined the AMEB examining team in 2013.
