Ray was born in 1962 and studied at the RNCM and Manchester University, winning prizes at both institutions, followed by postgraduate studies at the Salzburg Mozarteum. He performed as a soloist and chamber musician throughout Britain and Europe, and worked as a staff pianist at Dartington International Summer School and the Lake District Summer Music.

His performing interests included contemporary repertoire and piano trio, quartet and quintet repertoire. He gave masterclasses in Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia and Norway.