Sylvia Rose

Christian educator, music composer and publisher

Sylvia Rose

Sylvia Rose attended Southwestern Christian College in Terrell, Texas, and completed her bachelor’s degree in music at Harding in 1975. She began her career as an educator and administrator serving as instructor of music and director of the chorus at Southwestern Christian College. She also has taught at the elementary, junior high and high school levels in public, private and charter schools and served as principal of Luckett Christian Academy in Taylor, Michigan.

Rose has lived most of her life in the Detroit metropolitan area teaching, writing, singing and publishing music. She has composed hundreds of songs, and her "Songs of Faith" hymnal is a collection of 50 spirituals she authored and composed, a premier achievement for Black composers. She also is a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. She owns two publishing companies, Rose Publishing and Great Heritage Publishing, and has authored two books: "A Guide to Effective Choral Singing" and "Rise Up — A Call to Leadership for African American Women".

An ordained minister and former hospital chaplain, Rose founded Great Heritage Ministries in 1997. The nonprofit organization is designed for the uplifting, enrichment and benefit of others and provides various services including senior care and bereavement support.

Contact Information



Mailing address:
Harding University
Office of Advancement
HU 12238
Searcy, AR 72149-5615