Jay Coles (b. 1995) is a graduate of Vincennes University, Ball State University, and Grand Canyon University. He holds degrees in Liberal Arts, Education, and English/Literature. He has composed several pieces for band and string orchestra, published with Carl Fischer, Grand Mesa, Wingert-Jones, Excelcia, C.Alan Publications, and C.L. Barnhouse, among others.

Jay is thrilled to be in the RWS catalog! When he’s not composing music, he’s writing novels and teaching middle school students. His debut novel, TYLER JOHNSON WAS HERE, is based on true events in his life and inspired by police brutality in America. Jay is also the author of THINGS WE COULDN’T SAY and the forthcoming YOUR FINAL MOMENTS as well as a key contributor in several anthologies for young people. He resides in Muncie, Indiana with his wife and 2 cats named Sage and Saffron. In his spare time, he enjoys playing drums and bassoon and loves to play in local community groups.