New York City Jazz Singer-Songwriter Kat Calvosa has established herself as a force jazz scene and has been hailed as "one to watch" by critics and fans alike. Her unique yet classic jazz sound and masterful lyrics have helped her build a strong fan-base in New York City and beyond, which has assisted her in the production and release of two independently released albums in 2001 and 2009.
Kat’s voice has been described by fans and fellow jazz musicians as rich, sterling, and filled with joy. Her songwriting has been highlighted as a perfect blend of Jazz, Folk, and Pop, with a sound evoking modern and traditional influences. Aside from her original tunes, her ability to take what are commonly referred to as new standards - popular songs written in the 1960s and 1970s - and (translate them into a believable Jazz context is one of her most endearing qualities.
Originally hailing from Wisconsin, Kat began her musical career at Lawrence University where she was a classical voice major under the tutelage of renowned soprano Patrice Michaels-Bedi. During her time there she developed a love of Jazz music and began working with Ken Schaphorst and D. Bayne until her curiosity and drive pushed her to New York City. In the fall of 1996, she began attending the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, studying jazz voice with Peter Eldridge of the New York Voices.
Shortly after obtaining her BM in Jazz/Commercial Voice in 1999, Kat began writing and arranging music for her 2001 debut CD , It Could Happen, which features the talents of ECM recording artist Anat Fort, alongside percussionist Greg Beyer, and bassist Mike Epperhart. After spending six years honing her skills on the NYC jazz scene Kat was accepted into the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL where she earned her Masters’ degree in Jazz Pedagogy. During her time in Miami, became known for her range and ability to blend with a variety of jazz musicians, and worked with such noted artists as John Secada, Raul Midon, Chuck Bergeon, Ray Sanchez, and Johnny Rodgers.
She has played at several nationally-renowned venues and festivals across the nation including Smalls Jazz Club, Smoke NYC, The Cornelia Street Café, Googies above the Living Room, The Bitter End NYC, the Speakeasy Wisconsin, Miami Jazz Festival, Hot Jazz for Cool Nights Festival, MN, and The New Leaf Café, NYC. Kat has worked with renowned artists Kate McGarry, Anat Fort, Sam Minaie, Anne Philips, Jackie Presti, Jane Monheit, Travis Sullivan, Carlo De Rosa, David Cook and Sean Nowell.
Kat's recently released her self-produced second CD, Chrysalis. Debuting in March of 2009, it contains all original material that bridges the gap between the singer-songwriter and jazz traditions, making for a record that is at once energetic and elegant, with intelligent lyrics and sophisticated harmonies sure to delight both the novice and experienced listener alike.
Kat Calvosa: Artist Info
Curriculum Vitae
Education
Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA
Contemporary Commercial Music Vocal Pedagogy Institute, Level I 2009
Studies in the application of voice science and voice medicine to voice instruction and their relationship to the modern singer in any genre. *will complete certification by July 2011
University of Miami, Frost School of Music, Coral Gables, FL
MM In Jazz Pedagogy, 2007
Emphasis on Jazz Vocal Performance. Studies in Jazz Composition Jazz Improvisation, Jazz History, Jazz Pedagogy, Jazz Piano, Jazz Voice, Psychology of Music, History of Music Education, Entrepreneurship, and Songwriting.
Education Through Music Teacher Training Seminars, NY
1999 – 2005
Studies in Dalcroze, Kodaly, Orff, Teaching Methodologies, Curriculum Mapping, Classroom Management, and Integration.
Manhattan School of Music, New York, NY
BM in Jazz/Commercial Music, 1999
Studies in Jazz Theory, Ear-Training, Sight-Singing, Combos, Big Bands, Jazz and Classical Music History, Midi-Techniques, Piano, and Private Voice Lessons
Lawrence University, Appleton, WI
BM studies in Vocal Performance, 1997
Studies in Classical Theory, Classical Voice, Diction, Pedagogy, Piano, Classical English Works, French, African Socialism, Physics of Music, and Writing Seminars.
Private Instruction
Jazz Voice Jeannette LoVetri, Kate McGarry, Lisanne Lyons, Rachel Lebon, Larry Lapin, Tim Brent, Peter Eldridge, Anne Phillips, Jackie Presti, Anne Marie Moss, Ken Schaphorst
Songwriting Jen Chapin, Rey Sanchez
Classical Voice Patrice Michaels-Bedi
Piano Whit Sidener, Gabe Evans, Andrew Fisher, Chris Mueller, Charles D.
Bayne, Christina Dahl
Guitar John Alec, Dan Arcamone, Dave Wood, Chris Whiteman
Master Classes Raul Midon, Jon Secada, David Friesen, Cassandra Wilson, Annie Ross, Jay Clayton
Teaching Experience
University Teaching
Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus 2011
Conductor, Long Island Sound Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Spring 2011
Sabbatical replacement for spring semester. Responsibilities include arranging music for performance, bi-weekly rehearsals, performances on and off campus, workshops with other choirs, and preparing and encouraging students to use jazz in their roles as music educators.
University of Miami 2006 - 2007
Conductor, Jazz Vocal III Ensemble, Spring 2006
Responsibilities include arranging music for performance, conducting the ensemble in both in weekly rehearsal and Spring performance, assisting in the learning of new music and teaching basic conducting and arranging techniques to students.
Substitute Instructor, 2005 - 2007
Cover absences of Teaching Assistants in Jazz Piano, Improv, Pedagogy, and Ensembles
Concordia Conservatory 2003 - 2005
Adjunct Outreach Choral Director, September 2003 – June 2005
Responsibilities include teaching varied repertoire to members in 5th – 12th grades, organizing and presenting concerts, teaching good vocal technique, and teaching basic music theory skills
Manhattan School of Music Jazz Outreach Project 1997-1998
Student/ Teacher 1997 – 1998
Worked with fellow classmates to form an outreach concert and presentation for inner-city schools teaching them the basics of a working Jazz Quartet as well as the different sounds of Jazz and some basic theory behind it
Assistant Director, Lawrence University Jazz Choir 1994 - 1996
Six member jazz vocal ensemble performing jazz arrangements with big band.
Classroom & Outreach Teaching
The Masters School 2009 - present
Adjunct Voice Faculty 2009 - present
Responsibilities include teaching voice lessons and pedagogy to high school students of varying abilities and interests, giving master classes, accompanying students, arranging for concert choir, guest conductor for glee club, team teaching for music history class
P.S. 86 Music Teaching Fellow through Project ARTS 2002 - 2010
Teaching Artist, September 2002 – June 2005
Responsibilities include teaching general music to students in 1st through 6th grades, organizing both holiday and spring musicale events, working with classroom teachers to integrate curriculum concepts
Norwalk Music 2007 - 2009
Private Music Instructor, July 2007 - present
Responsibilities include giving private voice, piano, and songwriting lessons to students of all ages and abilities.
Kindred Spirits Jazz Camp Summer, 2007 – present
Director, Summer 2007 - present
Responsibilities include teaching jazz standards to students aged 8 – 13, organizing auditions, coordinating musicians to play for concert, running and scheduling rehearsals and scheduling, working with an accompanist and presenting a concert on material learned.
Day Jams Rock Camp Summer 2007 & 2008
Vocal Instructor - Summer 2007 & 2008
Responsibilities include holding voice, piano, and songwriting lessons to students ages 8 - 14, leading rock ensembles, teaching & playing drums, bass, guitar and keys with beginning rock groups to facilitate learning.
Jazz Academy 2006 – 2007
Private Music Instructor, Group Music Class instructor July 2006 - June 2007
Responsibilities include giving private voice and piano lessons to students of all ages and abilities.
Arts Academy of Hollywood 2005 - 2007
Private Music Instructor, Group Music Class instructor August 2005 - June 2007
Responsibilities include giving private voice and piano lessons to students from ages five to forty, leading and instructing group music classes in musical theatre, general music chorus.
Children’s Aid Society 2004 - 2005
Choral Director, December 2004 – June 2005
Responsibilities include teaching pre-set choral repertoire to choruses at outreach location once a week. Activities include organizing and presenting concerts, teaching good vocal technique, and basic music theory skills
Kabbalah Preschool 2004 - 2005
Music Instructor, September 2004 – June 2005
Responsibilities include leading thirty-minute music classes for children, ages two through five twice a week. Activities include: musical games, rhythmic activities, theory, creating movements and pictures based on music, musical books and interactive activities based on the curriculum.
Education Through Music 1999 - 2005
Artistic Staff Developer, August 2003 – August 2005
Responsibilities include co-authoring comprehensive K-8 music curriculum, observing and evaluating Teaching-Artists, planning and organizing seminars, facilitating teacher trainings
Program Coordinator 2002 – August 2003
Responsibilities include observing and evaluating Teaching-Artists, planning
and organizing seminars, facilitating teacher trainings
Teaching Artist , August1999 – June 2005
Responsibilities include teaching general music and keyboards to students in Kindergarten – 8th Grade, organizing school concerts and productions, leading after-school choruses, providing teacher in-services on music, and coordinating with classroom teachers to integrate their curriculum into the music curriculum
Private Teaching
Voice and Piano Studio 1998 - present
Teach beginner through advanced techniques in voice and piano in all genres, with strong emphasis on Jazz and Popular styles. Teach correct vocal technique, theory, improvisation and basic music skills to all vocal students in addition to songwriting technique and styles to those with interest.
Workshops
Smithtown Choral Workshop Spring 2011
Facilitator. Workshop for students in middle and high school choruses. Worked with students and
directors to facilitate further understanding of the jazz idiom through movement, speaking, and
singing. Workshop was followed by performance using discussed techniques.
Jazzed In Time Fall 2007 - present
Presenter. Concert/Workshop designed for students in elementary and secondary schools to help them understand, appreciate, and enjoy what Jazz has to offer. Discussion with audience participation of the instruments, history, stories, and relevance of Jazz music with subsequent music examples performed by Jazz Quintet.
Jazz in Elementary Music Education Fall 2006
Presenter. Class presentation on importance of Jazz in American Elementary school learning. Demonstration of the basic elements of Jazz and how to integrate them into the general music classroom and the general school curriculum.
Forum on Duo Techniques Fall 2006
Presenter. Class lecture/ demonstration on the intricacies and nuances of giving a jazz performance in duo with a singer. Duos of piano, guitar, cello and another vocalist demonstrated and discussed. Discussion of the elements of a good performance such as time feel, harmonic awareness, form, length, visual aspects and rehearsal techniques were discussed.
World Music in Jazz: A Cultured Approach Spring 2006
Presenter. Class presentation on world music’s influence on Jazz in United States from the 1970’s to today. Discussion of the most influential figures and cultures to serve as an introduction to the effect World Music has on Jazz in the United States and around the world.
ETM New Teacher Training 2005
Facilitator. Facilitation and Seminar for new teaching artists at ETM partner schools in Oakland, CA. General teaching techniques, classroom management skills, lesson planning, and various assessment techniques and tools
General Teaching Techniques 2004
Facilitator. Workshop for new Teaching Artists in St. Louis ETM partner schools in the areas of classroom management skills, lesson planning, and various assessment techniques and tools.
Integration Techniques 2003 - 2005
Facilitator. Workshop detailing ways of integrating music into the general curriculum of K-8 schools. Transferable Operations, Content, and Context Integration Given at: SPN 2003, Bronx Archdiocese Inservice 2004, ETM Teacher Training 2004 & 2005, St. Louis ETM Training 2004
Performance Experience
Ensembles
Leader, Kat Calvosa Group September 2005 - present
Four/Five member Jazz quartet performing original music, covers and arranged standards
Co-Leader, CSP (Calvosa/Sullivan Project) May 2008 - present
Quintet formed with Travis Sullivan (Bjorkestra), performing original jazz-pop tunes.
Member, Jazz Vocal Ensemble I, University of Miami 2005 - 2007
16 member jazz vocal ensemble accompanied by 4-piece rhythm section. Sing in tight vocal harmony, often imitating the sound of a big band. A Cappella and small group work, high level of sight-singing and improvisation ability. Singing in Spanish and Portuguese.
Member, University of Miami Big Band January - May 2007
Sang with and arranged for performance with traditional jazz big band.
Leader, Kanat, Piano and Vocal duo with Anat Fort 2003 - 2005
Jazz duo performing original and standard repertoire for small concerts and tours.
Musical Director, Aural Antics 2003 - 2005
Lead weekly rehearsals for a seven person A Cappella mixed-voice ensemble. Original arrangements of standard repertoire. Performed bi-monthly.
Member, Manhattan School of Music Jazz Choir 1996 - 1999
Six member female jazz vocal ensemble performing original arrangements of standard repertoire.
Member, Uncommon Chord 1998 - 2002
Fifteen member mixed a cappella vocal ensemble singing a broad selection of popular music from the 1940’s through the present.
Performances
Concerts
WNYC Battle of the Boroughs Spring 2010
Concert at The Jerome L Greenespace, NYC for WNYC's Battle of the Boroughs
XJB Big Band Spring 2007
Soloist with Big Band performing my original arrangement.
Festival Miami 2005 - 2006
Annual, two-month, multi-disciplinary concert series held at The University of Miami. Master classes, concerts with renowned artists and lectures are held in conjunction with the Festival, which is currently in its 23rd year.
2006 with Raul Midon
Performed with JV1 and as back-up vocals for artist.
2005 with Jon Secada
Performed duet with Jon Secada. Performed with JV1 and as back-up vocals for artist.
Sunrise Pops Orchestra Concert, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Fall 2006
Performed as a soloist and with JV1 on concert series
Miracle Theatre, Coral Gables, FL Spring 2006
Performed as background vocalist for Johnny Rodgers Benefit Concert
Southern Wisconsin Epilepsy Benefit Concert
Headlining Jazz artist for concert benefiting the Epilepsy Foundation of Southern Wisconsin.
Hot Jazz for Cool Nights Winter 2004
Concert series highlighting New York and Minnesota Jazz Artists. Headline performance with Jazz Trio. New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, New York Mills, MN
Selected Gigs
Bowery Poetry Club – New York City
Café Magnus – Madison, WI
Cornelia Street Café – New York City
Cotton Club – New York City
Ella Lounge - New York City
Googies above the Living Room - New York City
ICO Art Gallery, New York City
Jackson’s, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
LIC Bar, New York City
New York Mills Regional Cultural Center – New York Mills, MN
Miles’ Café – New York City
Smalls - New York City
Starbucks Coffee Music Nights – New York City
Tavern on the Green - New York City
The Bitter End – New York City
Recordings
Kat Calvosa/ Chrysalis
Release Winter 2009. Self-produced CD containing original repertoire
Kat Berentsen/ It Could Happen
Released 2001. Self-produced CD containing both original and standard repertoire.
Matthew Andrae/ Burning
Released 1999. Back-up vocalist for upcoming pop artist.
Published*
Frosted Melodies
Educational material. Collection of nine original secular winter songs for students in 1st – 8th grades. Listening examples, lesson ideas and integration concepts, student activity worksheet, sheet music, and karaoke style CD included with all material. *self-published
Memberships
Jazz Educators Network (JEN)
Association dedicated to building the jazz arts community by advancing education, promoting
performance and developing new audiences.
National Association for Music Education (MENC)
Association dedicated to ensuring that every student has access to a well-balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction taught by qualified teachers.
International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE)*
Association dedicated to assure the continued worldwide growth and development of jazz and jazz education. *(prior to 2008)
College Music Society (CMS)
Society to promote music teaching and learning, musical creativity and expression, research and dialogue, and diversity and interdisciplinary interaction.
The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP)
A membership association of songwriters, lyricists, and music publishers of every kind of music. They protect the rights of its members by licensing and distributing royalties for the non-dramatic public performances of their copyrighted works.