Who is Katy?

I am a conductor.

I have conducted adult, youth, children’s, church, community, and professional ensembles.

I have my Master of Music in conducting from the University of Manitoba (2018), studying with Dr. Elroy Friesen. I have also been mentored by world-renowned conductors Michael Zaugg and Lone Larsen.

I am a singer.

I have sung in many professional ensembles, church choirs and community choirs across Canada.

I am comfortable singing just about any repertoire from early music to brand-new compositions.

I am an educator.

I lead workshops for choirs of all ages about healthy singing and community building.

I lead community-based music projects that encourage everyone to sing, regardless of their musical abilities.

I believe that choir is the best way to learn about community and music, and how they intersect.

I have a private studio where students learn to sing freely and discover (or re-discover) their love of music. Go to Lessons for more information.

Photo by Jennie Wiebe

Photo by Jennie Wiebe

Photo by Dylan Summers


My current “program bio”:

Katy Harmer (she/her) is a choral conductor, singer, and educator based in Winnipeg. She is currently the Music Director at St. Andrew's River Heights United Church, Artistic Director for Margaret's Choir, and the founding Artistic Director of Winnipeg Upper Voices. She has recently sung with Polycoro, Dead of Winter, and the Canadian Chamber Choir.

She completed a Master of Music at the University of Manitoba, studying choral conducting with Dr. Elroy Friesen. In February 2020, Katy was a conductor at the Banff Centre’s Choral Art program with Michael Zaugg and Lone Larsen.

A lifelong choral musician originally from Toronto, Katy has also lived and made music in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Katy believes strongly in the power of choir to bring people together in community, and brings this philosophy to all her musical ventures and collaborations.


For more detailed information about my experiences, please contact me directly.