Shay began playing professionally in Israel at the age of 18. He joined the Israeli Air-Force Band, where he collaborated with Israel’s top musicians, and performed in the International Red Sea Jazz Festival and on television. He became a member in the Tel Aviv big band and in various jazz, rock and experimental projects. He completed his diploma studies at Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, where he won the Jazz Player of the Year in 2000, and went on to represent the school in the IASJ convention in Paris.

Shay has been actively teaching since he arrived in the U.S. in September 2000. He also concentrated on his work as a performer, composer. He completed his Bachelor’s degree at Berklee College of Music and a Master’s Degree in classical saxophone at The Boston Conservatory, where he received merit Scholarships. Among his teachers were George Garzone, Hal Crook, Ed Tomasi, Joe Lovano and Ken Radnofsky. Shay has developed an intriguing personal performance style and he is a sophisticated composer of original and exciting jazz for mixed ensembles.

Shay moved to New York City in June 2005 and became active in the local jazz scene. He performed with many of New York’s top musicians and at venues such as The Jazz Gallery, The Jazz Standard, Cornelia Street Café and the NYC Winter Jazz Fest. Shay performed live on Transfigured Night, a late-night radio show on WKCR New York, with the free jazz trio 202.

Shay moved to the Bay Area in June, 2009. Before leaving NYC, he made his debut recording of his jazz trio project with drummer Ronen Itzik and bassist Gary Wang, playing Shay’s original compositions. Shay is currently performing and teaching throughout the California Bay Area.