Meet Jay, an educator and drummer who has dedicated his life to combining his two passions and making a positive impact on children's lives. Born near Chicago, IL, Jay has always had a love for music and working with kids.
While studying for his Bachelor's degree in elementary education, Jay worked at a recreation center where he was able to see the power of physical movement in reaching children. This experience sparked his interest in the connection between music and education and led him to pursue a career as a solo drummer. Going by the name "Jay on the Drums," he performed in Yoga and Zumba classes across the country, demonstrating how music can bring people together and create a sense of community. This move was a far cry from his experience playing in rock bands previously.
After getting married, Jay made the decision to focus on his teaching career full-time. Throughout his career, he has taught preschool, kindergarten, second grade, third grade, and fifth grade, bringing his creative and energetic approach to the classroom.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges for educators, and Jay was no exception.
Forced to teach online, he used this opportunity to create freeze dance videos for his students, which quickly gained popularity and led to the creation of "Kids Freeze Dance." Jay believes that purposeful movement is a crucial component of engaging and meaningful teaching, and his videos continue to inspire and educate children all over the world.
Jay is a dedicated educator and drummer who has made a significant impact on the lives of children through his creative approach to teaching. His passion for music and education shines through in everything he does, and he continues to inspire and make a positive difference in the lives of kids everywhere.
