Mayfield Sessions
The salon, reimagined.
THE MAYFIELD MISSION
To remove the cultural and financial barriers between the general public and classical music, Kate created The Mayfield Sessions, her signature solo recital series. Every show is built around a theme, spans multiple genres, features guest artists, and includes a song or two that she sings. Audience participation is encouraged, food and drink are part of the night, and tickets never cost more than thirty dollars.
Session Themes
Indulgence
A decadent evening of music that tempts, thrills, and delights. From sweet, swooning violin solos to confessional moments of guilt and longing, Indulgence explores the pleasures and consequences of giving in to desire. The program features surprises, duets, and irresistible energy that leaves audiences wanting more.
Ikigai
Explore life’s emotions in a recital inspired by the Japanese concept of purpose. Through Kate’s own reflection and growth, Ikigai considers what gives life meaning. Moving through human emotions like joy, grief, and love, this program invites audience members to reflect on moments in their own lives when they have felt the same.
Duality
Duality explores the contrasts that shape our daily lives: anxiety and serenity, love and loss, day and night. This program reveals how opposing forces can coexist and even depend on one another. Kate encourages listeners to embrace and appreciate both sides at once.
Thoughts of a Woman
A program dedicated to women composers and stories of the female experience, Thoughts of a Woman celebrates empowerment, resilience, and uniquely female perspectives. Through music that reflects vulnerability, strength, and self-discovery, Kate celebrates and connects with women, creating space for them to feel heard and seen.
After Dark
Step into the nighttime with a program that embraces mystery, sensuality, and confidence. From lullabies to shadows, this recital invites audiences to explore the full spectrum of evening moods. Perfect for anyone who loves music that feels cinematic, intimate, and intense.
Music History with Kate
Class is in session! Music History with Kate is a playful and engaging introduction to Western classical music, led by Kate’s academic training. Perfect for anyone who wants to go to the symphony, opera, or ballet but doesn’t always understand what they are hearing, Kate sparks curiosity and provides insight that makes attending these performances more accessible, engaging, and enjoyable.
What Audience Members Say
“Phenomenal show. Haven't seen that level of participation in a musical performance in a long time, nor has classical music felt so relevant and accessible. Her technique was exceptional, the breadth of pieces fantastic!”
“This is the second concert of Kate’s I’ve attended at the Academy, and it just keeps getting better. She is an amazing talent and really brings fun and joy to the stage. I have a feeling we will all be saying, “I knew her…when!” And we can say we saw her debut at the Academy!”
“The first time I attended a Mayfield Session, I was very intimidated by classical music but excited that I could be part of it for the first time. I was absolutely blown away with the entire experience! Kate made it such a pleasant, enjoyable experience for everyone and I’m excited to go back!!”
“We had a great time at The Mayfield Series after dark show at the Academy. The show is totally unique. Kate and Christian perform classical and jazz pieces in a surprising and interactive way that connects you to the music and the artists. The show has heart and takes you from laughing to crying and everywhere in between.”
“I had a lovely time at the Mayfield Session at the Academy - it was a captivating combination of laughter and levity, audience connection and participation, and of course, stunning musical talent by Kate and her accompanying pianist.”
“Kate is super passionate about her craft and very talented at entertaining everyone with her enthusiasm, crowd involvement and storytelling during the shows! I have been to several of Mayfield sessions and have always really enjoyed my time. The shows are always super engaging and technically impressive, and Kate does a great job of crafting a shared narrative throughout her performance!”
“The Mayfield Sessions is one and only show that matches contemporary with classic music and singing. Overall you get a mix of fun, entertainment and feeling good. No matter who you are, joy is waiting for you at the Mayfield Sessions.”
“I just wanna say I have gone to almost all of Kate’s recitals and they always make me feel good throughout the experience of various emotions. Each set has a story that we as the audience can relate or share creative imaginations of life. I highly encourage she has more sets throughout the year. To balance her passion and help others with fitness she is truly a great resource to help build joy to others in the community.”
“I loved every minute of the Mayfield Sessions. Kate is able to create a balanced experience that includes a warm and comfortable atmosphere, a place to relax, connect, learn something new, and be entertained with her exceptional skill, talent and fun personality. I left wanting to come right back for the next one!”
“Kate and her accompanist were perfectly matched and their music blended exquisitely. She performed with so much energy and encouraged audience participation which increased the energy that was already in the room. Her technique was incredibly professional and the program/pieces had good variety. Phenomenal show!!!”
“I had the most wonderful time watching Kate’s recital. Kate played with such emotional depth, technical precision, sensitivity, and beauty, and the pieces she picked were all stunning and perfectly chosen to create a truly magical atmosphere for the evening. Kate is a very special artist and musician, and I hope to see her perform many more times in the future.”
A message from Kate:
“My journey with music began at the age of four with the privilege of classical training, which introduced me to a world of expression, emotion, and beauty. Through my studies and experiences, music became my language for joy, heartbreak, and everything in between. I could not be more thankful for the mentors and opportunities that shaped me, and now feel a responsibility and honor to share the gift of music as widely as possible.
During my studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, I became fascinated by salons, musical gatherings of the seventeenth through nineteenth centuries. I was drawn to the intimacy of them: their small-scale ensembles, the closeness between performer and audience, and the relaxed energy that made music feel like a shared experience, rather than a distant presentation. I was equally inspired by the ambitious women who hosted these salons, introducing new works and reviving forgotten ones in ways that have shaped how we understand classical music today.
I created The Mayfield Sessions as my own modern interpretation of this tradition. My goal is to ‘bring classical music back’ into modern society by offering recitals that are entertaining, emotional, relatable, and free from the elitist expectations that often surround the genre. I work to remove barriers between classical music and everyday listeners because this music has shaped my life in profound ways, and I want others to have the chance to experience its emotional power.”