Dr. Cindy Jay

Dr. Cynthia Jay was born and raised in Bethesda and has a decades long history in the Performing Arts. Beginning in childhood as a dancer and pianist, leading her to theatre, voice studies, stage, opera, and choral directing. She has combined it all to be a program developer in Creative Ministries, or Worship Arts, and a diverse educator covering multiple mediums. She considers herself a “double Terp” with a Doctorate in Opera Directing and a Bachelors in piano (two minors in theatre and dance) from the University of Maryland, College Park. Her Master of Music from Westminster Choir College was in Voice Performance and Pedagogy, focused on how to use the voice as a complete instrument, and voice building for choirs. She added to her studies with summer stock theatre in North Carolina, and the American Institute of Music Studies in Graz, Austria.

Dr. Jay’s teaching experiences range from private studio instruction for over 40 years, to serving as a university professor; with a background of teaching children, youth, adults, and professional artists across the country in Masterclasses, classrooms, and studios at various conservatories, Westminster Choir College, University of Maryland, and the University of Texas-El Paso. She was the Founder and Artistic Director of the leading El Paso, TX region community youth choir, ‘Young El Paso Singers’. Her successful launch of ‘Celebration Arts’ in El Paso served as an outreach program featuring local artists and talents with children’s theatre productions, local dance troupes, classical artists, Mariachi and Tejano groups, and all offered free to the community. ‘Celebration Arts’ also served as a source for artists to engage in liturgical pageantry, sacred dance, and scriptural dramas she directed, widening her circle of influence for both the churched and unchurched of the region.

Dr. Jay has developed curriculum and programs throughout her career focused on diversity and inclusion, including but not limited to a traveling concert program written and developed by her and performed by Young El Paso Singers throughout the southwest titled, “African-American History; A Journey through the Music”. Her work as a case manager and peer educator for International AIDS Empowerment was a driving impetus for her continued focus on LGBTQ+ communities and for fostering that community’s allies. Additionally, Dr. Jay encourages and engages in life-long learning as demonstrated by becoming a Certified Life Coach and a Certified Personal Trainer, both achievements being done in her 50’s!

With a mind-set of an educator, and a heart that declares “all gifts are worthy in the eyes of God”, Dr. Jay is thrilled to bring the forces of her diverse background to Chevy Chase United Methodist Church in her ever-continuing ministry of nurturing and celebrating God’s people, while guiding each of us to a deeper and more transformational relationship with Jesus Christ. You, and all your gifts and talents, are welcome here!!