Jordan Gray
OWNER AND Lead Instructor
Jordan Gray is the founder and lead instructor at beatsbygray, created to inspire and guide students through their musical journeys. Born and raised in Northwestern Ontario, Jordan's love for music began while growing up in Manitouwadge, where he first picked up a pair of drumsticks at the age of 10, sparking a lifelong passion for rhythm and sound. From skateboarding by day to jamming with friends in bands by night, these formative experiences solidified his love for music and fueled his Personal Legend.
Jordan holds an Honours Bachelor of Music (2012) and a Bachelor of Education (2013) from Lakehead University. After graduating, he embarked on an adventure, working and travelling across Asia for six years. This chapter of his life offered fresh perspectives, rhythms, and insights into the balance between music, culture, and identity.
Since returning to Canada in 2019, Jordan has continued to perform and teach music. He is currently a high school Music Teacher and Club Lead within Northwestern Ontario. In these positions, he strives to cultivate a love for performance and creativity, helping students discover their unique musical voices.
Performance remains a cornerstone of Jordan's musical journey. As the drummer for stardrop and Small Town Bad, and a hired drummer for the Lockyer Boys, he continues to explore new sounds and challenges. His past notable experiences include performing as a hired percussionist with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra from 2010 to 2013, and the lifelong commitment to the 80s metal group, Viper.
A proud member of the Ontario College of Teachers, the Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association, and the Royal Conservatory of Music, Jordan is committed to providing high-quality music education. Through beatsbygray, he offers personalized lessons to students of all ages, helping them create and achieve their musical goals.
At beatsbygray, the mission is clear: to empower musical growth, foster community, and inspire a lifelong love of music. Guided by values of creativity, collaboration, resilience, and inclusivity, the program aims to make music education a joyful and fulfilling experience.
“Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.”
See below for more details about Jordan’s musical qualifications and journey.
Education
Bachelor of Education - Lakehead University 2013
Honours Bachelor of Music - Lakehead University 2012
Professional Memberships - current
Ontario College of Teachers
Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association
Royal Conservatory of Music
Music Teaching & Leadership
2024-2025 | Music Teacher: Music Gr. 10-12 NRDHS - Red Rock ON
2023-2025 | Music Club Lead: Ages 13-17 NRDHS - Red Rock ON
2022-2023 | Musical Director: Elf Jr. Ages 6-13 GOPS - Nipigon ON
2017-2019 | Musical Director: Spamalot & Into the Woods Ages 14-18 MLIS-Dalian, China
2016-2017 | Musical Director: Ages 14-18 Maple Leaf International School-Luoyang, China
2013-2017 | Music Club Lead: Ages 14-18 Maple Leaf International School - Luoyang, China
2013-2017 | Music Teacher: Choral/Instrumental Music Gr. 10-12 MLIS - Luoyang, China
2011-2012 | Percussion Ensemble Director: Sir Winston Churchill C&VI - Thunder Bay ON
2011-2012 | Music Class Volunteer: Sir Winston Churchill C&VI - Thunder Bay ON
2007-2013 | Music Teacher: Privately & Music Workshop Ages 14-18 - N.W. Ontario
Music Projects - Past & PResent
2020-Present| stardrop | indie-pop | drummer (current)
2024-Present| Small Town Bad | outlaw country | drummer (current)
2023-Present| Lockyer Boys | pop | hired drummer
2011-2013 | Pretty Ugly | hip-hop | previous drummer
2011-2012 | Greenbank Trio | folk rock | hired drummer
2010-2013 | Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra | Orchestral Music | hired percussionist
Oct. 2012 | Recorded: ‘The Big Lonely’ by Rodney Brown | Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra
2012-2013 | Various Recording projects with Rogers Canada & TbayTel
2006-2013 | Viper | 80s Metal | drummer
Musical Influences…to name just a few
Dennis Chambers
Aaron Spears
Dawes
Khruangbin
Led Zeppelin
Neil Young
Metallica
Snarky Puppy
Steve Gadd
Patrick Watson
Mac Miller
Nate Smith & Vulfpek
The Band
Chris Stapleton
Professional Awards
2022-2023 | David Tamblyn Award for Making a Difference: Champions for Education - SGDSB
2017-2018 | Certificate of Honor as a Maple Leaf Cultural Ambassador - MLIS-Dalian, China
2017-2018 | Outstanding Employee: Performance & Lasting Contribution - MLIS-Dalian, China
2017-2018 | Superintendent’s Teacher of the Year Award - MLIS-Dalian, China
2015-2016 | Superintendent’s Teacher of the Year Award - MLIS–Luoyang, China
Interested?
Are you interested in registering for lessons or learning more about what we offer? Click on a link below and we’ll get back to you right away!