J.P. Farrell was born in Glen Cove, New York[1] and pursued study of music from an early age.

He later transferred to SUNY Geneseo to pursue music composition studies with James Willey.

Upon his graduation, Farrell remained semi-active in the New York Jazz scene as a bassist; performing with pianist Hyperion Knight.

J.P. Farrell was a member of the Songwriters Guild of America and the American Federation of Musicians.

Farrell moved to Minneapolis in 1994 and worked with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and Minnesota Opera.