Kathy Sommer
KATHY SOMMER is a multi-platinum songwriter on GRAMMY nominated albums, as well as a composer, producer, music director and conductor.
A graduate of Yale University, Kathy is composing & developing several new musicals, writing with top artists, and producing an eclectic array of projects. A member of ASCAP, The Songwriters Guild, The Dramatists Guild, and Maestra, she has served as a NY Chapter Trustee, VP and Governor of The Recording Academy and founded and currently co-chairs the NY Chapter’s Musical Theater Task Force. Kathy is committed to mentoring aspiring artists and has spent years dedicating herself to creating a strong sense of community among music makers across many genres. She is passionate about animal rights, advocating for music creators, and defending the value of intellectual property.
Her songs have appeared on over 10 million records with artists ranging from American Idol’s top selling worldwide sensation, DAUGHTRY (#27 Billboard All Time 200), to Top 20 debuts on rock’s iconic HALESTORM and SHINEDOWN, and can be heard on radio, television, in feature films, video games and toys.
She’s co-written with TRAIN, Latin Grammy winners JESSE & JOY, THEORY OF A DEADMAN, SKILLET, and co-written/co-produced for Madame Secretary’s ERICH BERGEN and K-popstar JAEJOONG among others. Her most recent releases are with the all-female breakout rock artists PLUSH, and the bands CITIZEN SOLDIER and THROUGH FIRE.
Kathy has also been a composer for projects on MTV, CTW/Cartoon Network & Columbia Pictures. Her Broadway credits as a conductor include “Disney’s BEAUTY & THE BEAST”, “CITY OF ANGELS”, “CATS”, and the Tony nominated “ROMANCE ROMANCE” (music director, conductor, vocal & dance arranger).
She also co-orchestrated the Off-Broadway production which garnered two “Outer Critics Circle” awards for “Best Musical” and “Best Score”, and music directed the A&E television production of the show. Ms. Sommer has also conducted songs for JEWEL’s Christmas CD “Let It Snow” and VANESSA WILLIAMS’ Academy Award winning single “Colors of the Wind” and composed the music for the show “LONG ROAD HOME”, produced Off-Broadway.