Kathryn Sherman

BM Indiana University

MM University of North Texas

Kathryn Sherman is a Chicago-based jazz vocalist, arranger, and educator.

As a vocalist, Kathryn performs regularly in duo settings, with small combos, and with big bands. She has released recordings with jazz bassist Hannah Marks (Alone Together) and math rock band Giraffe House (Folding Chair Fathers, Leafy Greens, Toxic, Passenger). She is currently composing music for her debut solo album, slated for release in early 2023. Kathryn also works regularly as a studio vocalist, recording choral demos and virtual jazz ensemble projects in her home studio. She has won awards as a soloist, including the award for Best Graduate Jazz Voice Soloist from Downbeat magazine.

With significant experience directing vocal jazz ensembles and contemporary vocal groups, Kathryn also regularly works as an arranger, creating custom arrangements for middle, high school, and collegiate groups across the country. In particular, she writes often for SSAA, SAB, and SATB choirs, and groups under her direction/performing her work have been awarded Downbeat Student Music Awards and performed on significant stages, like at the Jazz Education Network conference. Her ever-growing stock arrangement catalog can be found on her website (kathrynshermanmusic.com) and she is also available for commissioned works. 

As an educator, Kathryn is in demand as an ensemble director, voice teacher, and clinician. She is passionate about building an inclusive learning environment, where she helps all students build a diverse set of skills to prepare them for a wide variety of future career opportunities. While working as a Graduate Teaching Fellow at the University of North Texas, Kathryn taught private jazz voice lessons, arranging labs, and directed multiple award-winning vocal jazz ensembles. She has also worked as a small ensemble coach at Indiana University and with Bloomington Expressive Arts Training (BEAT) as a staff arranger, vocal director, and member of the BEAT band. She currently teaches at DePaul University in the Jazz Studies department and works with the Chicago Children’s Choir.

Kathryn holds a MM in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas and a BM in Jazz Studies from Indiana University. She is originally from the Seattle area.​