Katherine Benson, Pianist | Experience Artistic Excellence

Katherine Benson

pianist

An important artistic figure of her generation, known for her “stunning” performances, arts leadership, and innovative projects and pedagogy

Artistic Director | The Paramount Chamber Players

Assistant Professor of Piano | Penn State

Cadenza from Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3

Performed live in Hill Auditorium with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra

"When the Paramount Chamber Players entered the Paramount stage on Saturday night, everything felt wonderfully familiar: the boldness of the programming, the mastery of performance, the feeling of intimacy between artists and audience. In her first in-person concert as Artistic Director, Katherine Benson took up the mantle of Craig Combs seamlessly, introducing us to works both new and differently arranged, with musicianship of exceptional quality, in what felt like a living room concert with friends (granted, friends with a very large living room). It felt good to be back."

—Martin Dotterweich
"Stunning"

—Arts Knoxville, on Katherine’s performance of the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1
"Her care and encouragement have stayed with me long after our lessons ended. Dr. Benson’s nurturing spirit didn’t just help me improve as a pianist, it helped me grow as a person. I will always be grateful for the way she made me feel capable, valued, and inspired, and I know many others who would say the same."

—BM Piano Performance Major, UT Knoxville
"Dr. Benson is easily one of the best teachers I’ve had at the collegiate level. She’s extremely knowledgeable in the piano field of study, and I can count on her to tell me many interesting points and pieces of information that I wouldn’t even think to ask about. In addition to being a great teacher, she is above all a wonderful person. Her warm personality and friendly demeanor make it easy to talk about anything with her, as well as accept criticism from. I believe that her nurturing spirit can motivate any student to push themselves in and outside of the classroom."

- Piano Performance Major
"It has been a true privilege to study under Professor Katherine Benson. She is not only an outstanding pianist but also a deeply genuine and nurturing teacher. She truly cares about her students’ feelings and always listens with patience and sincerity. Whenever I face challenges whether in piano technique or in life, she is always willing to take time to talk, understand, and guide me with kindness. She often explores solutions together with me and encourages me to think deeply and independently. Her constant support makes her feel more like a caring older sister than just a teacher. The warm and trusting environment she creates inspires students to grow with confidence, both musically and personally."

- Piano Performance Major

Woman in a dark green dress playing a grand piano during a musical performance.

About

Katherine is in demand as a soloist, chamber musician, adjudicator, and teacher, and has performed across the USA and abroad in China, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand.

Highlights from her most recent concert seasons include performances of Saint-Saens Piano Concerto No. 2, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto Nos. 2 & 3, Poulenc’s Concerto for Two Pianos, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Clara Schumann’s Concerto in A Minor as well as numerous solo recitals and masterclasses in five cities in China and across the United States.

In 2026, Katherine was the inaugural recipient of the MTNA-Stecher & Horowitz Foundation Gateway Prize for Advancement of the Arts, a $25,000 career award acknowledging her unique artistic leadership and nurturing spirit.

Katherine currently serves as the Artistic Director of The Paramount Chamber Players and Assistant Professor of Piano at Penn State.