Cathy Spence is in her 7th year on the faculty at ASFA, although this is her 38th year teaching vocal music. Her experience includes all ages, from preschool through college. Under her direction, choirs and soloists have consistently earned ‘Superior’ ratings throughout the state in district and statewide festivals. Students from her private voice studio have also excelled in solo vocal competitions throughout the region.

In addition to her teaching career, Cathy has had extensive performance experience in the field of opera. She has performed as soloist with the Alabama Symphony, Kansas City Symphony, and the Kansas City Civic Orchestra. She was a district and regional finalist in the Midwest Metropolitan Opera Auditions and has performed numerous roles with the Kansas City Civic Opera, and the Opera Theater of Kansas City. She may also be heard in solos on various CD recordings of the Grammy award winning Kansas City Chorale.

A graduate of Birmingham-Southern College, she holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Bachelor of Music Education in Vocal Music. She obtained her master's degree from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, where she studied under Eph Ehly and Charles Bruffey.