As an orchestral bassoonist, he plays with the leading period instrument ensembles in North America, including Tafelmusik, The Handel and Haydn Society, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Boston Baroque, and Trinity Baroque Orchestra.

Since 2023, he has been a faculty member of baroque bassoon at New England Conservatory. He has given coachings on performance practice, masterclasses, and lessons at UCLA, The Colburn School, The University of Missouri, and The Eastman School of Music.

Clay was born in Nova Scotia, raised in eastern North Carolina, and found his way to the baroque bassoon by way of the tenor saxophone. He holds a Bachelor’s degree and Performer’s Certificate from The Eastman School of Music, a Master’s degree from The Juilliard School, and the Advanced Certificate in Music Education from CUNY-Brooklyn College.