Clayton White, retired Professor of Music and Department Chair at Community College of Philadelphia, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in music education, music theory, and composition from Temple University. In addition, he completed postgraduate studies in voice, choral conducting and orchestral conducting at Westminster Choir College. He returned to Westminster as Guest Lecturer in African-American Church Music. He fulfilled that same role at The University of Pennsylvania lecturing on The Evolution of African-American Spirituals and Gospel Music.

Currently, he is Music Director and Conductor of his professional chorus, The Clayton White Singers. Also, he works as a music engraver for composers, arrangers, and publishing companies. Dr. White has published over 100 compositions and arrangements.

As chorus master for Opera Ebony and Opera North, Dr. White prepared choirs for productions at The Academy of Music and other venues in Philadelphia. Also, he has performed as guest conductor and clinician for numerous music festivals and choral workshops. An acknowledged expert on African-American music, he has written articles, given lectures-demonstrations and conducted concerts in the discipline.

He serves on the board of directors of Settlement Music School, Penn Presents, and Opera North. An accomplished composer, choral arranger, vocal coach and accompanist, his credits include recordings, radio, television, and film.