Dr. Gay earned his B.A. in Religious Studies with a minor in Music from Missouri State University. He completed his Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Missouri  Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance. He received his Teaching Certification in K-12 Music Education from Missouri State University. He comes to the Townsend School of Music from Missouri Western State University, where he served as Associate Professor and Director of Athletic Bands. An award-winning euphonium performer, Dr. Gay has won honors at the most prestigious solo and chamber competitions, including the Ern Keller Memorial International Soloist Competition, Leonard Falcone International Solo Euphonium Competition, Music Teacher's National Association National Solo Brass Competition, North American Brass Band Association Solo Competition, U.S. Open Brass Band Championships Solo, and the International Tuba-Euphonium Conference Quartet Competition. An active soloist, clinician, and studio instructor, Dr. Gay has also taught in the public school system and has a strong commitment to music education and young students, and often performs and works with public school programs.