Jaya had her initial training in music under her mother, Mrs. Rajalakshmi Krishnan and had advanced training under Prof T. R. Subrahmaniam of Delhi University, where she got her "Sangeetha Siromani" (advanced diploma) in Carnatic music. She has been giving vocal concerts in India and the US. She has represented India as musician in international dance festivals in France, Malaysia, Singapore and Bulgaria gaining commendable accolades.

She teaches vocal music at Jayamangala School of Music & Dance. Some of her students have graduated and are giving concerts in Washington metro and neighboring states. She has many audio recordings to her credit. She along with her team of performers in Jayamangala School directed International Conferences in Carnatic music in 2002 and 2004. In May 2004, they presented a Symphony based on ragams in Carnatic music and performed by 25 Indian and western musicians.

Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, MD awarded her a grant as a visiting vocal artist/scholar in 2004 and Maryland State Arts Council awarded her a grant as Individual Artist in Solo Vocal Performance in 2004.