About this Artist

Pronouns: he/him

Vinton Jones is a professional musician, musical director, and educator who has been teaching music in Prince George’s County public schools for more than 20 years, as well as private lessons. In 1997, he graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Music from Howard University with a focus on jazz studies. While there, he honed his craft under the tutelage of Grady Tate, a renowned jazz drummer and vocalist.

As a musician, he has been performing for more than 35 years, since the moment he began playing drums for the Springfield Baptist Church children’s choir at the young age of 9 years old. From that moment on, he has performed with a variety of notable artists and musicians on national and international tours. He has toured with the Temptations, Jean Carne, Billy Paul, Dexter Wansel, and Michael Henderson. He has also performed with artists including Tom Browne, Walter Hawkins, Donnie McClurkin, Martha Reeves, The Jones Girls, Vicki Yohe, and many more. His musicianship can also be heard on recordings such as Bind Me Closer (Michael Reed presents Springfield Baptist Church); Capture the Fee (Lisa); Half Past Autumn (MSP); Live+7 (Elliot Levine and Urban Grooves); Anticipation the Remix (Guilty Pleasures); The Path (Tracy Cutler); Consciousness (Common Knowledge), and Steve Garrison (Solitude).

In addition to being a public-school music teacher, Vinton has also taught music for several Washington Performing Arts (WPA) music camps, including Sitar’s Playful Rhythms Summer Camp, the WPA Jazz Camp, and the WPA Vocal Camp. He also recently taught music during the Rising Stars/Accelerated Academy summer school program for Prince George’s County students. Currently, he is assisting with writing the music curriculum for Prince Georges County Schools.

 Artist Statement

Music is the heartbeat of my life. As a teaching artist, I am passionate about sharing the transformative power of music through drums, hip-hop, jazz, and gospel. These genres form a rich tapestry that I weave into dynamic, hands-on educational experiences.

My journey began with the drums, guiding me through various musical landscapes. This diverse background allows me to connect with students through our shared love for music. I prioritize active participation, believing profound learning comes from direct engagement. By incorporating improvisation, collaboration, and performance, I foster creativity, confidence, and a deep appreciation for music.

My goal is to inspire students to see music as a powerful medium for self-expression, cultural connection, and personal growth. Whether exploring hip-hop roots, diving into jazz complexities, or feeling gospel’s uplifting energy, I aim to ignite a lifelong passion for music in every student.