I am grateful to have often had the opportunity to teach storytelling, singing, and poetry to others. 

Storytelling 

Jay has dedicated his life to keeping alive the art of storytelling, and knows well why that is important for us as a civilization. He is a master of the craft and has a gift for working with would-be storytellers. His skills as a storyteller have broadened my imagination and inspired me to "tell my story" in all that I do. --Pamela Wylie, workshop participant

Jay's background as a musician, poet, and naturalist gives him a unique perspective that infuses his work. His generosity of spirit created an environment of playful interaction, human connection and deep appreciation for the storytelling tradition that helped me explore my creativity and refine my storytelling skills. --Jean A. Hale, storyteller

A beautiful combination of exploring the ancient stories along with nuts-and-bolts storytelling craft. Highly valuable - I would recommend it to anyone interested in storytelling. 
 --Michael Anthony Brown, Theatre Maker

The workshop was a modern cauldron of ephemeral magic.  It was a joy to leave the mundane behind and step into the world of stories. --Mel Bratz

"I greatly enjoyed Jay's workshop, and the non-judgmental environment he created soon had everyone in the group rooting for the success of everyone else. His critiques were very helpful, and he guided us easily into the timeless world of myth through stories which poured out of him and into us. I would happily come again!" --Ellen Shapiro

SINGING
Singing with Jay is transformative. I found myself able to do things with my voice I hadn't known I was capable of. I cannot recommend enough!
—Tamar Shapiro-Tamir
 
Singing with Jay has been an instrumental part of shifts happening in my life.  His character and presence and style of engagement has put me more at ease around something that has given me so much anxiety in life.  Other singing groups have left me feeling either put on the spot or being less than the leader, but in Jay’s circles there was a fluid sense of autonomy, connection, and equality.  The music and songs became beautiful experiences to be a part of co-creating, in which I was able to both lose myself and find myself.  He has helped me in finding my voice, in every sense of the word.
 
~JM (initials only please)
 
 
To me, Jay's gatherings are a form of contemplative practice. Singing together feels like moving through a vast landscape, and there are pleasing moments where time goes still and we are all rapt in the act of melding our voices. Through deep listening between the singers, we achieve something that feels emotionally nourishing. These gatherings have truly forged a new relationship with singing for me. As someone who hasn't done much group singing, Jay is great at putting everyone at ease so they can come into their voice during these gatherings.
-Noah