Kirk J. Gay obtained his Bachelor's degree in percussion performance from Northern Illinois University. He later went on to study with Paul Yancich and Richard Weiner at the Cleveland Institute of Music where he received his Master's degree in Timpani Performance.

In 1998 Mr. Gay toured Europe with the New World Symphony under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas. He has performed with the Walt Disney World Orchestra, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and the Orlando Philharmonic. He is currently the principal percussionist with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra.

Kirk J. Gay is on the faculty of the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL. There he teaches student lessons, directs the UCF "Black Steel" steel drum ensemble, and arranges and instructs the Marching Knights Drumline.

He is an endorser and clinician for Pro-Mark sticks and Sabian cymbals.