Caitlyn Porter earned an Associate of Applied Arts degree in Professional Music from the School for Music Vocations, graduating in May 2022. During her time at SMV, she studied under Grammy-nominated Dr. Jeremy Fox, Dr. Tyler Thomas, Tobi Crawford, and Tommy Boynton of the iconic vocal group The Four Freshmen. She served as lead soprano of the award-winning vocal jazz ensemble First Take, with whom she recorded albums, toured, and performed at the Jazz Education Network. In 2021, Caitlyn received an “Outstanding Performance” award for her Vocal Jazz Soloist submission toDownBeat Magazine’s Student Music Awards.

Following graduation, Caitlyn continued her jazz studies through private instruction with both former mentors and new teachers, including Dr. Tyler Thomas, Tobi Crawford, and Jason Alex Smith. She further developed her skills in voice, vocal arranging, ear training, and piano.She then worked as a vocal jazz clinician with several high school ensembles throughout the Des Moines area.

Caitlyn currently serves as a voice instructor with Drake University Community School of Music and teaches group piano at Arrow Academy. She is also an active member of the Des Moines musical theatre community, working as a performer, choreographer, and music director with various theatres throughout the area. Her recent show she music directed included creating vocal arrangements for the ensemble, for which she received an award nomination.

With a passion for both performance and education, Caitlyn continues to pursue opportunities that allow her to combine her love of music, teaching, collaboration, jazz, and musical theatre.