Kate Sara Chittenden (17 April 1856 – 16 September 1949) was an American professor of music, music school founder, and piano teacher. Chittenden was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. She is known for originating a form of piano instruction known as synthetic piano method, serving as the founding dean of the American Institute of Applied Music in New York City, and heading the piano department at Vassar College for 31 years, where, upon retirement, she was awarded professor emeritus status. Newspapers also name her as the first woman lecturer employed by the Board of Education for New York City Schools, serving from 1892 to 1919.