Kate Chaston
www.katechaston.com
Acting a Song
Kate’s career began with a Trustee Scholarship to Boston University, where she received classical training as an opera singer under the tutelage of renowned Wagnerian tenor Richard Cassilly. In the summers, Kate attended the Tanglewood Institute as both a student and an RA to young singers. Upon graduating cum laude with a BA in Voice Performance, Kate moved to New York City to study at the Neighborhood Playhouse. After graduating from the Playhouse, she continued her vocal studies with Bruce Kolb and Carolann Page, studied acting with Wynn Handman, and soon began performing across genres at venues such as the Century Center, La Mama, the National Black Theatre of Harlem, and Don’t Tell Mama, while also performing jazz standards and covers at local music haunts.
Kate started songwriting later in her career, something she calls a "surprising and deeply satisfying turn of events.” Now, as a jazz singer/songwriter, she plays at venues across the city, including Rockwood Music Hall, the Metropolitan Room, and the Cell. Kate has had the honor of making music with some of New York City’s finest instrumentalists, including her dream band: bassist Danton Boller (Roy Hargrove, Seamus Blake), pianist Ben Stivers (Chris Botti, Robin McKelle), guitarist Al Street (Robin McKelle, Kat Edmonson), and drummer Brian Wolfe (Aloe Blacc, Sharon Jones). She also partnered with producers Scott Sharrard (Gregg Allman, Levon Helm) and Charlie Martinez (Steely Dan, Donald Fagen) to release a self-titled EP, which can be found on CD Baby, Amazon, and iTunes.
In addition to teaching voice privately & through a local music studio, Kate spent several years directing an after-school choir program at her children’s elementary school. For more information on Kate’s teaching philosophy, please visit www.katechaston.com.
Kate started songwriting later in her career, something she calls a "surprising and deeply satisfying turn of events.” Now, as a jazz singer/songwriter, she plays at venues across the city, including Rockwood Music Hall, the Metropolitan Room, and the Cell. Kate has had the honor of making music with some of New York City’s finest instrumentalists, including her dream band: bassist Danton Boller (Roy Hargrove, Seamus Blake), pianist Ben Stivers (Chris Botti, Robin McKelle), guitarist Al Street (Robin McKelle, Kat Edmonson), and drummer Brian Wolfe (Aloe Blacc, Sharon Jones). She also partnered with producers Scott Sharrard (Gregg Allman, Levon Helm) and Charlie Martinez (Steely Dan, Donald Fagen) to release a self-titled EP, which can be found on CD Baby, Amazon, and iTunes.
In addition to teaching voice privately & through a local music studio, Kate spent several years directing an after-school choir program at her children’s elementary school. For more information on Kate’s teaching philosophy, please visit www.katechaston.com.
