MY STORY

Sylvia D. Jones is a distinguished soprano, songwriter, music educator, and scholar whose work celebrates and preserves the rich traditions of Black sacred music. Acclaimed for her "angelic," "passionate," and "tear-jerking" performances, she is a versatile vocalist whose repertoire spans classical, gospel, and other vocal traditions.

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Jones serves as Program Manager for Black Worship Studies in partnership with the Black Gospel Music Preservation Program at Baylor University. In this role, she is dedicated to preserving, studying, and advancing the legacy of Black worship traditions. Her research bridges the musical heritage of her upbringing with rigorous scholarship, exploring the enduring significance of Black sacred music in worship, culture, and community.

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Originally from the Seattle area, Jones holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Music (Voice) from the University of Washington. She earned both a Master of Music and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Church Music from Baylor University. 

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As a performer, Jones made her Carnegie Hall debut as a soloist in the Baylor University Semper Pro Musica Winners Recital and was a featured soloist in Baylor University's 2022 production of A Baylor Christmas. Through her work as a performer, educator, and researcher, she continues to inspire audiences and students while advancing the scholarship and performance of Black sacred music.