JOEY HAYS

GUITAR•PERCUSSIOn•UKULELE

From a very young age, Joey Hays (he/him) has been surrounded by music. Growing up in Minneapolis, the vibrant music scene was always just a phone call away. His mother, a singer herself, introduced him to Stevie Wonder, Tower of Power and Chaka Khan. He began taking drum and vocal lessons in the 4th grade, playing and singing in various school ensembles before discovering and learning (mostly independently) the guitar and bass so he could play along to his favorite Foo Fighters songs. 

After graduating from Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists in 2013, Joey began performing, recording, teaching, and touring around the Twin Cities - and eventually beyond. Joey has taught lessons at Pratt Community School, PiM Arts High School, Project Cheer, as well as independent instruction. Since 2020, Joey has recorded for several artists, including Samia, Hippo Campus, Ondara, Your Smith, Raffaella, Mike Kota, Early Eyes, Briston Maroney, Papa Mbye, and Huhroon (to name a few). He has toured nationally and worldwide with acts such as Boyish, Bad Bad Hats, Tommy Lefroy, and Yellow Ostrich. Joey also performs his own original music with his current projects Brunette and bird dog.

After some time on the road, Joey is looking forward to planting roots at home. He specializes in drums and guitar, having taught students from kindergarten through twelfth grade (along with some adult instruction). Joey also teaches ukulele, beginning bass & voice. He offers a warm, friendly approach to lesson time itself, while emphasizing the importance of intention, creativity and independent practice. 

When not working, Joey enjoys cooking for his partner Mickey, entertaining his cross-eyed cat Zelda, reading, riding bikes and playing Dungeons and Dragons with his ever-loyal adventuring party.