About Me

I’m a teacher, Broadway performer, musician, choreographer, and songwriter—and I’m happiest when inspiring and guiding others on their artistic journeys.

With a background in classical singing from The Eastman School of Music (voice major/piano minor), and a BFA in musical theatre from The Boston Conservatory, I developed a solid vocal technique that supports me and my students through the many demands of the musical theatre repertoire and beyond.

As a dancer, my specialty is tap, which is the perfect combination of rhythm, melody, and movement. Most of my training was with the late great Bob Audy, who opened my eyes and ears to the music of tap. His technique–along with my training from the Jazz Dance Legend Luigi— has become the foundation of my dance teaching.

I have been teaching private voice, tap, and theatre dance lessons for several years with students of all ages ranging from absolute beginners to professionals on Broadway. I’m currently on the faculty at The Professional Conservatory of Musical Theatre at The New York Film Academy as a tap and theatre dance teacher. I taught private voice lessons at the Music Theatre of Connecticut’s School of Performing Arts and The Broadway Arts Lab, vocal master classes at The Broadway Artists Intensive, and I created a voice class curriculum at LaGuardia Community College. I worked at the Trinity School in NYC as a choreographer, assistant director, vocal coach, and dance teacher helping Ivy League- bound high school students build confidence and discover their passion for the arts.

What makes me so valuable as a teacher is my empathy—I’ve “been there”. An artist is (and should be) a vulnerable being. Therefore, it is important that they feel confident and believe in themselves as they expand and master their skills. It wasn’t until I truly believed in myself that my own success really began to unfold. I might’ve turned down the audition, let alone the job, when I was offered a swing position in Broadway’s Mary Poppins. But instead, I faced “the actor’s nightmare” daily with the emotional strength and technical sharpness required to stand-by for 10 tracks for 5 years on Broadway.

Magic happens when you empower someone, believe in them, and provide a safe place in which to explore and grow. It’s life-affirming, heart-opening, and life-changing… not to mention just PURE FUN. I invite you to give it a try!

Downloads

“Kathy’s technique has freed my voice and my true sound has come through. My placement makes sense—it’s just like I’m speaking when I sing. Even my regular speaking voice has become resonant and effortless. I no longer feel pressure to sound like anyone else. My pitch, tone, and breathing feel solid. And my head voice…. All I can say is “Hallelujah!”

Selena Staleyperformer

“During my training with Kathy I have regained confidence in my vocal abilities and craft. She has helped me get back my soprano range in a healthy and sustainable way! Notes that once felt strained now feel effortless thanks to her techniques. Kathy builds an environment where you feel comfortable making mistakes and growing!”

Maryann Williamsperformer

“I have been taking voice lessons from Kathy starting at the age of 8 and I am now 16. She has taught me so much throughout the years. She’s helped me prepare for auditions, get into competitive summer intensives, and become a more powerful and confident singer. She is such a great person to work with and knows exactly how much to challenge me. Kathy is not only a great voice teacher, but someone that I can call my friend!”

Aleah Ford-Sussman voice student

“Kathy is a tap teacher extraordinaire! She has a beautiful and skillful way with all levels. Study with her (as I do) privately or in the group setting—whichever works for you—you’ll be glad you did. Kathy is also a talented actor. I was honored to direct her as Dolly Tate at the North Carolina Theater where she wowed the audiences.”

Richard Stafford Director/Choreographer

“I always leave Kathy’s tap class in a great mood! Kathy’s a terrific teacher who can adapt to a wide range of students in the same class. Her class has a positive, nurturing, fun atmosphere that makes it easy to learn!”

Ruth GottschallBroadway performer

“I have taken Kathy’s tap class for several years. Her class attracts folks who are there to learn AND have fun. The atmosphere is laid back and there is zero judgement in the room. (That is so important to me.) Kathy is organized and precise while teaching, and I always enjoy her warm-ups and her choreography. She’s a pro. She’s warm and welcoming and I feel the same about the folks who take her class.”

Bradley ReynoldsBroadway producer

“Learning to tap dance with Kathy Calahan is a bundle of good things. It’s great exercise for both the body and mind, it’s interesting and challenging (a 24-count riff at my age? yes indeed!), it is so much fun and, as a bonus, I have a new friend who happens to be a mere 30 years younger than I, but what difference does that make when we’re having such a great time tapping together. Our lessons are definitely a wonderfully happy and healthy addition to my world.”

Deborah McManus(on my 5th year with Kathy and still going strong)

“It has been my privilege to work through the years with the amazingly gifted Kathy Calahan. As Head of Musical Theatre at Trinity School, I hired Kathy to choreograph Upper School productions over a period of seven years. The students loved her! She was a first-rate choreographer, teacher, vocal coach and Assistant Director to me.”

Karin Baker