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.”
— Plato

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

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!