If you had the chance to go to this year’s Greenwaves concert, then you’ve already seen this talented singer in her element! Kate Judge is originally from Voorhees, New Jersey and transferred to UCF to complete her Undergraduate degree. She is now currently completing her Masters Degree while simultaneously singing her way into stardom!
Kate has competed in competitions such as UCF’s America’s Next Great Star (which she won), Miss UCF Talent 2011 (runner-up), and she recently won the title of Miss Largo 2011! Kate is now going on to compete in the Miss Florida pageant in July 2011. This 23-year-old singer has a big, beautiful voice, and frequently entertains by singing a medley of songs while also playing the piano.
She has already accomplished so much at such a young age and is an inspiration to all young women here at UCF! Kate is proof that you can do it all if you just believe in yourself and stay persistent.
Q: At what age did you begin singing?
A:I started taking piano lessons at age five. I began formal voice training at age thirteen. All throughout my schooling, my coursework revolved around choir, orchestra, musicals, drumline… you name it.
Q: Why did you choose to transfer to UCF from New Jersey (as opposed to another school)?
A: I was torn between a few schools, but UCF offered me a piano scholarship and I felt I was being led to become a Knight.
Q: When did you realize you wanted to be a professional singer?
A: I realized I wanted to become a professional musician when I overcame a third degree burn in 2008. I tripped and landed on a stove, set at 450 degrees. Doctors thought I may lose mobility of my left hand because of potential nerve damage and my career flashed before my eyes. Within five months, I performed my Senior Piano Recital, sponsored by the Steinway Piano Galleria, and used this setback as a blessing in disguise. Since then, I have never taken my talent for granted.
Q: How did you “put yourself out there” as a singer?
A: I never actually “put myself” anywhere. It just sort of happened. Opportunity presented itself one appearance at a time and I have been fortunate enough to have overwhelmingly supportive family and friends. I am still learning how to market my talents. Most recently, I launched a website, www.KateJudgeMusic.com, and am continuously using good ol’ Facebook as a networking tool.
Q: Who are your musical inspirations?
A: Brooke Fraser, Johnny Lang, Sara Bareilles, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Bob Marley, Ingrid Michaelson, Pearl Jam, Sarah McLachlan, and Miranda Lambert.
Q: Do you write all of your songs yourself?
A: Yes. Eventually, I’d like to collaborate with other musicians but for now, I am content with the direction my album is headed.
Q: What inspires you to write?
A: Disappointment… Instead of being let down when things don’t go my way or when people aren’t reliable, I use writing as an outlet. It really helps me put things into perspective.
Q: How would you suggest other girls in Orlando could get involved in a singing career?
A: I think adequate training and patience would be the most valuable tips. I see so many young people striving for stardom without the necessary skills. Once routine gigs start happening, there are not enough hours in the day to practice but if you already possess the honed talents and are ready to shine, your years of hard work will pay off. Nothing worth having comes easy.
Q: What was it like performing in, and ultimately winning, America’s Next Great Star Competition?
A: America’s Next Great Star was the first time I actually realized this lifestyle is for me. It was a last minute competition and I had 24 hours to call out of work, put together a medley, and get a fan base to attend the contest because audience voting determined the winner. When I won that night, it was exactly a month after I sang the National Anthem for the Orlando Magic. I knew this was the beginning of a thrilling journey.
Q: Do you get any fans that come up to you around campus?
A: Yes! Around campus. At the mall. Out to dinner. At first, I would be overwhelmed and think, “Oh my gosh… I’m not even wearing make-up!” But after a few months, I realized that “fans” seeing me in my own element around Orlando would better understand that I’m just an ordinary girl with big dreams.
Q: What does it feel like to sing in front of a large audience, for example, at Greenwaves?
A: It is inspiring and cannot be expressed in words. I have performed for over 200,000 people in the past 3 years and each performance is a stepping-stone.
Q: Do you ever get nervous before you sing?
A: I am out of my comfort zone if I have to sing without a piano in front of me, but I don’t really get nervous. Anxious would be a better word.
Q: Do you play any other instruments besides the piano?
A: Yes, I played violin for 10 years, cello for 8 years, and even the tuba for a while! I had to learn essentially every instrument in my undergraduate studies. But if you ask me to play the flute for you, I’d kindly say no. ;)
Q: What would you say your biggest accomplishment has been so far?
A: So far, my biggest accomplishment was the night I was crowned Miss Largo 2011. I had never competed in beauty pageants before this year and preparing for the Miss Florida Pageant in July has been a humbling and rewarding experience. I cannot wait to see what the future holds.
Q: Do you eventually want to become a big music star?
A: Yes, I certainly have the determination within me but it’s really just opening the right door. Today’s industry seems to revolve around “who you know” instead of “what you know” and this is something that I’ve accepted and am trying to work around.
Q: Have you ever had any doubts about your music career? If so, what keeps you motivated?
A: I think everyone has days when they doubt their abilities. Nonetheless, I try to remind myself that I have a BA in Music Education, am pursuing my Masters Degree, am vying for the title of Miss Florida this summer, and have a wonderful support system. Instead of doubting myself, I am grateful.
Q: What is your favorite song to listen to? To sing?
A: My favorite piece to listen to would be any piano concerto by Beethoven. Certain classical music puts me on cloud nine. My favorite song to sing would be “At Last” by Etta James. My all time favorite song to play is “Mary Had A Little Lamb” when I go home because I used to practice at 6:00 AM when my three, older brothers were sleeping! It brings back memories.
Q: What other hobbies do you have besides singing?
A: My hobbies include snowboarding, cooking, going to the beach, watching the Philadelphia Phillies and the Orlando Magic. I love animals, nature, and the outdoors. Most importantly, visiting family in New Jersey. They are the center of my world. After graduate school is done, I’d love to get back into reading for enjoyment!
Q: You received your BA from UCF in Music Education and are currently studying for your Masters in School Counseling. Do you plan on teaching Music and/or being a school counselor in the future?
A: I do not have a definitive plan. I am taking one day at a time. I stay up-to-date with Music Educator Conferences and am striving to be the best counselor I can eventually be. In the meantime, I am living the lifestyle of a starving artist!
Q: Where can your fans find you around campus? In Orlando?
A: Around campus, I’m usually in the library researching for my graduate studies or accompanying people in the new music building. I am a Music Director at a church in Orlando and am employed as entertainment at Seasons 52. On my website, I have a schedule of appearances and if anyone is interested in coming to a show, I would be truly grateful.
Q: Tell us about your EP that you’re recording and releasing later this year! Are you excited?
A: I have decided to write and record a full-length album. I am aiming to spend the entire month of August in the studio but with Miss Florida in July, my schedule is unpredictable. I am excited and nervous and a whirlwind of hard to believe emotions. I do not have a label backing me yet, so it is a huge risk to make this album. I sincerely hope my fans see me wearing my heart on my sleeve after it is released.
Q: What advice would you give to the aspiring young singers out there?
A: Christopher Lasche once said, “Family is a haven in a heartless world.” Aspiring singers should never forget what matters most. If your heart is in the right place, the rest will come.
Now that you all know Kate a little bit better, don’t hesitate to go check out her music or find her on Facebook! And don’t forget to look out for her album debuting this fall!