Abbott writes music for orchestra, chamber ensemble and voice.
Her work reflects her interests in contemporary Australian cultures and often explores notions of home, place, humour and connection.
Abbott studied with Stuart Greenbaum, Brenton Broadstock and Linda Kouvaras at University of Melbourne, where she completed her PhD in 2007.
[4] Several of Abbott's compositions have appeared on the syllabus of Australian Music Examinations Board and ANZCA.
[7] Abbott has released five solo albums; Sunburnt Aftertones: The Chamber Music of Katy Abbott (Move Records), The Domestic Sublime: The Vocal Music of Katy Abbott (ABC Classics), Famous (ABC Classics), Punch: The Brass Music of Katy Abbott (ABC Classics) and The Peasant Prince (ABC Classics with Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) and Li Cunxin).