Jay began learning guitar at the age of 10 while growing up in a small village in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York. In high school, he played baritone horn in the concert band and guitar in the jazz band, developing the versatility that would become a hallmark of his musicianship.

During his junior and senior years, Jay was selected as an All-State Jazz Band guitar player. At the same time, he performed with several local rock bands, gaining early experience across both formal and contemporary musical settings.

Jay studied music at Palm Beach Junior College in Florida. He continued performing in a wide range of settings, including bands, duos, solo engagements, coffee houses, restaurants, and bars.

He has also played and sung in various church music ministries, performing both traditional choral music and contemporary folk-style sacred music.

Today, Jay performs as a solo artist and with members of The Senior Discounts Band and The Rebounderz Band. A working professional musician, he plays guitar, mandolin, bass, keyboards, octave mandolin, and provides vocals.

Jay continues to write and perform original music while also bringing classic and contemporary folk, rock, country, and pop songs to audiences.