Jazz pianist and vocalist Kate Skinner maintains an active performing, composing, and teaching career in the western United States.  A native of Ogden, Utah, Skinner pulls influences from the bluegrass and classical roots of her childhood into both her composing and performing as a jazz musician.  In her teenage and college years, Kate delved into R&B, funk, and hip hop, genres that also continually find their way into her musical explorations helping to create her own unique voice.  Part of this unique voice is an obsession with alternative keyboard instruments and a study of the great keyboardists of jazz, rock, and funk. 

Skinner has made a home in a number of different types of ensembles throughout her performing career, including  jazz, rock, neo-soul, R&B, pop, celtic, and classical; she is versatile as both a pianist, vocalist and composer.  Kate’s compositions and playing have won multiple awards, including a Downbeat award for Outstanding Vocal Performance and a Jazz Education Network award for composition. 

Skinner is currently Assistant Professor of Jazz Piano at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho.  She holds M.M. and D.A. degrees in Jazz Studies from the University of Northern Colorado.

www.kateskinner.com