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Growing up in his grandfather’s music store, Jay was surrounded by musicians from all walks of life. His entire family was musicians (his father was also somewhat of a Hi-fi buff). So, of course, he was destined to become one himself. The lessons began at an early age. Throughout school he was a percussionist in the marching band and other ensembles. The latter part of high school was also spent playing in garage cover bands. When Jay entered community college, he picked up the vibes in the jazz band and began playing bass for a rock cover band.
There was a recording studio and class at this college that struck his eye one semester. Jay and the guitar player in his band started taking recording classes hoping to improve their garage recordings. The very first class, a light bulb went on in his head and Jay knew his life had purpose. Jay quickly became the instructor’s second engineer for his live sound and studio company. He found himself with a career and steady employment. He did everything from live sound on the road, film shoots, multi-track sessions, mastering and duplication.
He transferred to California State University, Chico in 1994 and immersed himself in their blossoming recording arts program. Chico State gave him opportunities to experience many facets of the recording industry. As a result, he found he had an affinity for mastering. His instructors helped guide him in that direction and he was able to land a gig at Bernie Grundman Mastering 6 months prior to graduating in 1997.
Jay learned more during the three years he spent at Bernie’s, than his entire college career. He spent half of it in the shop assisting with the building and design of mastering consoles for the new Hollywood location, under the skillful eyes of Karl Bischof and Beno May. The other half of his Bernie Grundman experience was production work and providing quality control. Carefully observing and learning from the top mastering engineers in the world, Jay learned many tips and tricks he still uses today. Most importantly, Jay developed his ears and gained valuable experience mastering many CD’s and records.
In the year 2000, Jay was convinced to leave Bernie’s and move away from LA to work for Digidesign. Many of his fellow Chico State colleagues were working there and were anxious for him to join them. While he missed Bernie Grundman’s, Jay does not regret the decision. It afforded him more time to spend with his family and build his client own list. It also allowed him time to experiment and be more creative.
Jay relocated to Longmont, Colorado in 2002, and became the studio manager for the University of Colorado at Denver’s Recording Arts facility. He was rehired at Digidesign (now Avid) as a Product Specialist in 2004. As a Product Specialist, he was charged with demonstrating and supporting solutions to the pro-audio community. Late 2007 witnessed the growth of his freelancing business upon leaving Digidesign.
Since then, Jay has enjoyed success as a freelance engineer with affiliates and clients all over the globe. He is associated with many of the finer facilities in northern Colorado and is well known for the quality of his craft.
Jay has dedicated a considerable portion of his life to making music. What he enjoys most is helping an artist achieve their vision and enhance their artistic masterpiece with the many talents he possesses.
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