He was born in Bø in Vesterålen to Olav Vea and Ingrid Vea. Among his orchestral compositions is the series Intrada (I:1963, II:1977, III:1998), Jiedna (1980) and Meet my orchestra (2003). His publications include Spilleboka from 1963, Musikkpedagogisk grunnbok from 1972, and Musikkdidaktikk. Hva? Hvorfor? from 1981. He has worked as rector of Nordnorsk Musikkonservatorium in Tromsø, and lectured at a Folk High School in Hamar. He was awarded Nordland County's cultural prize and the Petter Dass Prize.