Teacher

Ashton Denzel Jones is a lyric baritone, choral conductor, organist, and pianist hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma. His performance career includes notable engagements with the Lyric Opera of Chicago in Terrance Blanchard's Champion, the Cimarron Opera Company, the Varna Opera in Bulgaria, Manhattan School of Music Opera, and Texas Southern University Opera. Dr. Jones’ operatic roles include Dr. Gregg in Douglas Moore's *Gallantry*, Masetto in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Bluff in Die Schauspieldirektor, and Monsieur Pandolf in Massenet’s Cendrillon. He has also performed as a soloist with the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra, Tulsa Signature Symphony, Elgin Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Missouri (Kansas City) Choral Union, interpreting works such as Handel’s Messiah and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs.

In addition to his performance career, Dr. Jones is dedicated to teaching applied voice. He has taught at both the high school and collegiate levels since 2018, with former students currently studying at institutions like Carnegie Mellon University, Wichita State University, and the University of Kansas. He also serves as Assistant Conductor/Director of the COGIC Chorale for the International Church of God in Christ.

Dr. Jones holds a Bachelor of Arts in vocal Performance with a minor in piano from Texas Southern University, a Master of Music in classical voice from the Manhattan School of Music, and a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in vocal performance with a cognate in choral conducting from the University of Missouri (Kansas City). His advanced studies in choral conducting were shaped by mentorship from Dr. Brandon Boyd, Dr. Tony McNeill, and Dr. McKenna Stenson.

Dr. Jones is an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA), Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), and previously the Missouri Music Educators Association (MMEA). He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc.

Through his work as both a performer and educator, Dr. Jones continues to inspire the next generation of musicians while contributing to the artistic landscape with his exceptional vocal and conducting talents.