JESSE OLSEN BAY
INSTRUCTOR

Jesse Olsen Bay (drums/percussion) has been performing, composing, and teaching music in New England, the Bay Area, and around the world for over 25 years. He grew up in a singing family, steeped in folk music, before studying at Bennington College with legendary percussionist/healer Milford Graves. He now leads and performs with several groups in New England, and collaborates frequently with dancers and choreographers. Jesse has received awards and honors from the American Composers Forum, New Music USA, San Francisco Friends of Chamber Music, Ucross Foundation, and the Isadora Duncan Awards. He currently teaches in the Music and Dance Department at Umass Amherst, and is pursuing a credential in music therapy.

Jesse specializes in teaching drums/percussion, guitar, bass, songwriting, voice, and audio production/recording. He is knowledgeable across a wide range of styles and genres, including jazz, rock, funk, the music of Eastern Europe and the Balkans, and music of the African Diaspora. He approaches teaching holistically, focusing on all aspects of musicality and personal development. He loves working with all ages and skill levels.