BIOGRAPHY

 Dr. Tiffany Renée Jackson, a New Haven, CT native, is making waves as a groundbreaking multidisciplinary artist who transcends boundaries and whose voice resonates across genres and stages. Dr. Jackson is not only a lauded singer but also a scholar, arranger and vocal pedagogue, making significant contributions to both the performance and academic realms of music.

 Dr. Jackson’s academic journey is as impressive as her performance accolades. She obtained her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Michigan and further honed her craft with a Master of Music and an Artist Diploma from the prestigious Yale School of Music. Not stopping there, she pursued a Professional Studies Degree from the Manhattan School of Music and culminated her studies with a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from the University of Connecticut.

 Dr. Jackson’s singing career has spanned continents and genres. After a transformative apprenticeship with the Houston Grand Opera Studio, she received a study grant from the Metropolitan Opera, propelling her into international acclaim. Her performances have taken her to countries such as Norway, Slovenia, Germany, Poland, and Lithuania, captivating audiences worldwide. Dr. Jackson has collaborated with renowned Symphony Orchestras, including the National Philharmonic Orchestra, Gotham City Orchestra, New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Greater Bridgeport Symphony, and the Akron Symphony. A highlight of her career came in 2005 when she made her Carnegie Hall debut as the soprano soloist in Haydn’s “Paukenmesse,” marking her as a formidable presence in the classical music scene.

 In addition to her classical prowess, Dr. Jackson is celebrated for her interpretations of jazz standards, particularly the works of Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington. Her performances at iconic venues such as the Blue Note in New York City and Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Jazz Lincoln Center showcase her versatility and mastery of both genres. Her collaborations with Emmy Award-winning pianist and educator Dr. Rex Cadwallader have produced memorable recordings, including “A Balm in Gilead” and “Sweet Perfume in an Alabaster Jar.”

 Beyond her musical talents, Dr. Jackson is also a fitness competitor and sports nutrition specialist. She famously showcased her unique combination of abilities on the popular talent show “America’s Got Talent” in 2011, where she was affectionately dubbed the "Necessarydiva," blending the worlds of opera and bodybuilding. Her appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2003 further catapulted her into the public eye, where she shared her journey, including her transformative trip to South Africa with Harpo Productions.

 As an educator, Dr. Jackson has made significant strides. After two successful years as an Assistant Professor of Music at Western Carolina University, she joined the faculty at Hampton University in the Fall of 2023. Dr. Jackson is committed to nurturing the next generation of vocalists and musicians through her instructional work. She has been teaching in France for YXIE Academy a two-week intensive music and performing arts festival. Dr. Jackson launched a crowdfunding initiative at Hampton University aimed at offsetting costs for participants, in addition to producing her one woman show, Rising of the Necessary Diva, and donating the proceeds. This initiative not only emphasizes her dedication to access in the arts but also her commitment to mentorship and support for young artists. Next summer, she will be the Program Director of The Paris Performance Experience under the auspices of YXIE Academy in Villeblevin, France. For additional information, visit www.necessarydiva.net.