Kate Skinner

Kate Skinner is an Assistant Professor of Jazz Piano at the Lionel Hampton School of Music, University of Idaho, within the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. She is an active jazz pianist, vocalist, composer, and educator based in the western United States.

Her research and artistic interests span jazz performance, composition, vocal jazz, and the integration of folk, R&B, funk, and rock influences into jazz. She is dedicated to creative and honest musical expression, continually exploring alternative keyboard instruments and the legacies of iconic jazz and rock keyboardists.

Kate has released multiple albums, including Divergent (jazz quartet) and Born to Wander (bass-guitar-voice trio), and a newly released solo album blending singer/songwriter, folk, and jazz styles. Her compositional work has earned recognition through competitive awards.

She has received the following honors:

• Downbeat Award for Outstanding Vocal Performance
• Jazz Education Network Award for Composition

Kate provides career coaching and lessons, both online and in person, and accepts commissions for arrangements and original compositions across a wide range of ensembles, including vocal jazz, big band, orchestra, and pop/funk bands. She also offers transcription services for cover bands.