Biography
Cat Johnston is an accomplished trumpet and flugelhorn player and dedicated educator from Belper, Derbyshire. She completed her degree at the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in Manchester, where she studied under Murray Grieg and contributed to a broad spectrum of ensembles, including the RNCM Jazz Collective, Big Band, Opera Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Chamber and Symphony Orchestras, Session Orchestra, Brass Band, as well as the Gospel and Chamber Choirs.
During her studies, Cat expanded her musical horizons with an Erasmus Exchange at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo. There, she studied with notable musicians Tine Ting Helseth, Jonas Haltia, and Anthony Plog. She also joined the championship wind band Vestre Aker Musikkorps, competing at the Championships in Trondheim.
Cat's musical journey began at South East Derbyshire Music Centre under the guidance of Kevin Holdgate. Since then, she has toured across Belgium, France, Switzerland, Japan, and the USA, performing with ensembles from Derby and beyond, including the National Youth wind Orchestra of Great Britain. As a versatile freelance musician, Cat currently plays flugelhorn with Derwent Brass, a championship section brass band, as well as with Harlequin Brass, Derventio Brass, and various orchestras and ensembles throughout Derbyshire. Alongside her musical career, she works as a cycling coach with Cycle Derby, combining her passions for music and fitness.
Outside of her professional commitments, Cat enjoys spending time outdoors running, cycling, and relaxing with her two cats, Basil and Mabel. With a deep passion for teaching, she is committed to inspiring and nurturing the next generation of musicians.
Doubling instruments?
I use lots of doubling instruments on a regular basis. These include:
Flugel & Cornet
Eb/D trumpet & C Trumpet
Piccolo trumpet
I also play trombone to grade 8 level, french horn to grade 5 &
teach piano up to grade 3. Beginner recorder lessons are also available.
On a not so regular basis: Natural trumpet,
although I am hoping to get back to this soon!
