TONI GATES is a versatile singer of contemporary, pop, rock, soul, country, folk, jazz and blues styles. Her professional music experiences include: church soloist: recording artist for radio commercials; featured voice for various Hallmark projects (“Blessed Assurance" Mother’s Day Card, 2013 and four Keepsake Magic Series Ornaments - "Oh, Holy Night" 2023, "Oh Happy Day" 2021, "Joyful, Joyful" 2018, “Go Tell It On the Mountain" 2012, “This Little Light of Mine" 2011); touring internationally as lead big band vocalist; locally as cabaret and show cast member; fronting jazz combos; and choir member of traditional choral and vocal jazz ensembles.
She has taught vocal music, music theory and music appreciation in Kansas City, Missouri at The Paseo Academy for the Performing Arts, the 18th & Vine History and Performing Arts Summer Academy, the Music Arts Institute, Penn Valley Community College and in Lawrence, KS, at The University of Kansas.
Toni’s musical skills have been enriched during visits to Florida, Puerto Rico, New York, the Caribbean and London and through the many relationships sustained with high caliber artists and teachers who have encouraged her to continue listening and growing to become the well-rounded musician she is today.
CD Credits: "This Woman" 2016 - featuring 7 original compositions and 6 arrangements, “I’m Old Fashioned," 2008 – featuring fresh takes on classic standards, “Outside the Lines" 2003 – featuring original compositions), & “Comfort & Joy" 2010 - a Christmas CD recorded with arrangements by Tom Ransom (guitar) and Clarence Smith (percussion) as The Trio.