Kate Janzen

Kate Janzen is a multi-award-winning composer, director, pianist, and educator whose work centers on the transformative power and magic of singing. Equally at home in the worlds of choral music, vocal jazz, and musical theater, she is passionate about creating meaningful musical experiences that foster authenticity, depth, and connection.

Her compositions and arrangements have received national recognition, including two DownBeat Awards for Outstanding Vocal Jazz Arrangement, three Festival of New American Music Composition Competition awards, and Editor's Choice recognition from JW Pepper.

Kate earned her Bachelor of Music degree from California State University, Sacramento School of Music with dual emphases in Jazz Studies/Arranging and Theory & Composition.  Her composition mentors include the renowned Leo Eylar and vocal jazz giant Kerry Marsh.

At the heart of Kate's work is a commitment to music that illuminates the human experience and invites singers to bring everything they are into the rehearsal room and onto the stage. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that singing is one of the most direct paths to the soul. Whether directing a choir, mentoring a student, or crafting a new score, she seeks to create an environment where people feel empowered to fully be and express themselves through their voice.

Her career has included composing for independent films, writing commissioned works for orchestras and choirs, accompanying workshops led by Broadway performers, serving as emcee for large-scale music festivals, and leading master classes in musical theater preparation.

Based in Colorado, Kate serves as Music Director for the Superior Community Choir and The Spark Performing Arts Center in Boulder. She performs with The Key of She, continues to accept commissions for all vocal and instrumental ensembles across a wide range of genres, and is currently developing her first full-length musical.