Katie Hannigan is a mezzo-soprano, educator, arts administrator, producer, and creative scholar whose work bridges professional performance, vocal pedagogy, artistic leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration. As Associate Professor of Voice and Coordinator of Vocal Studies at Nazareth University in Rochester, NY, she maintains an active career as a performer, clinician, presenter, and administrator while creating opportunities that connect professional artistic practice with the education and mentorship of emerging musicians.
A member of the voice faculty at Nazareth University, Hannigan teaches undergraduate and graduate voice students while providing leadership for the University’s vocal studies program through curriculum development, student mentorship, recruitment, auditions, and collaborative artistic initiatives. Her teaching emphasizes healthy, expressive singing rooted in technical excellence, artistic curiosity, and thoughtful, purposeful communication. Working closely with colleagues in the School of Music and Department of Theatre and Dance, she prepares singers for successful careers across diverse settings while fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.
Hannigan’s students have continued their studies at leading graduate institutions and established professional careers in opera, musical theatre, education, music therapy and arts leadership, among others. Her mentorship emphasizes not only vocal development but also entrepreneurship, artistic identity, and professional resilience, preparing students to navigate an evolving musical landscape with confidence, creativity and autonomy.
An active performer, Hannigan has appeared in opera, concert, recital, oratorio and sacred music throughout the United States and Europe. Her artistic work spans traditional repertoire alongside contemporary music and collaborative projects that engage history, storytelling, and interdisciplinary performance. She regularly presents masterclasses, lectures, and performances for universities, professional organizations, and music festivals, integrating scholarship, performance, and pedagogy in meaningful ways.
A significant focus of Hannigan’s recent artistic work has been the commissioning and development of new vocal repertoire. She is the creator and artistic leader Farcical Fantasies: Episodes from a Diary debuted at Rochester Fringe Festival, and most recently, We Go On, Oswego, an interdisciplinary song cycle and anthology inspired by the women of the Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter in Oswego, New York—the only refugee shelter established in the United States during World War II. Bringing together eleven composers, four lyricists, historians, performers, and educators, the project preserves overlooked historical women’s narratives through newly commissioned art songs while expanding the contemporary vocal repertoire for future generations of singers. We Go On, Oswego is published through Just a Theory Press and serves as a template for a new opera.
We Go On Oswego Information PDF
Hannigan is also a frequent presenter at regional and national conferences, sharing insights on research, collaborative leadership, contemporary repertoire, and arts advocacy. Her presentations have included invited sessions for the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), where she contributes to conversations surrounding teaching, performance, scholarship, grant funding and sponsorships, business planning, entrepreneurship, and innovative approaches to vocal education.
Beyond the classroom, Hannigan has maintained an active record of institutional leadership. As Coordinator of Vocal Studies, she has led initiatives involving admissions, curriculum, student advising, faculty collaboration, recruitment, assessment, and program development while helping shape artistic experiences that integrate performance, academic excellence, and community engagement. Her administrative work reflects a commitment to strategic leadership, collaborative problem solving, and building supportive educational environments for students, faculty and beyond.
Professionally, Hannigan remains active as an adjudicator, clinician, conference presenter, and mentor for singers, voice teachers and all artists.
Hannigan’s work is grounded in the belief that music possesses the power to preserve history, foster empathy, and transform lives. Her professional service reflects a commitment to advancing the field through collaboration, innovation, and the cultivation of inclusive learning communities. Whether mentoring students or faculty, commissioning new works, presenting scholarly research, or creating collaborative artistic experiences, Hannigan is dedicated to building meaningful connections amongst artistry, education, and community while preparing the next generation of musicians to become thoughtful, engaged leaders committed to wellness and sustainability.