Jezreel Ricardo "Jay" Real was born on October 13th, 1997, and originates from the town of Davis, CA. He began piano lessons at the age of 7, and learned violin through the public school system. He finished the Certificate of Merit Piano Program in California, and acted as principal and concert master multiple times in his school orchestras. Jezreel would then go on to study Music Theory & Composition at Westmont College in Santa Barbara under the guidance of Dr. Steve Butler. He graduated from Westmont College in December of 2018, cum laude.
After graduating, Jezreel established himself as a competent and professional musician in Santa Barbara in the years of 2019-2025, working for a variety of groups and people as a pianist and music director, primarily known for his work at the following places:
- Lights Up! Theatre Company - Santa Barbara, CA
- Out of the Box Theatre Company - Santa Barbara, CA
- Christ Lutheran Church - Goleta, CA
- Santa Barbara Treble Clef Society - Santa Barbara, CA
- Santa Barbara Gay Men's Chorus - Santa Barbara, CA
- Cold Spring Elementary School - Santa Barbara, CA
- Santa Barbara City College
Currently, Jezreel is pursuing his master's in Music Direction at the University of California, Irvine, studying under Broadway legend, Zachary Dietz. He anticipates graduating in 2028, and is currently acclimating to the new musical workforce in Orange County. His most recent exploit was acting as Co-Music/Band Director for the New Swan Shakespeare Festival of 2026's production of The Merry Wives of Windsor Cove, where he was heavily involved in the development process.