Jesse Arthur Longfield played the piano, viola, and violin and for many years was church organist, choir and orchestra conductor. He also advertised as a tuner and repairer of pianos, harmoniums, American organs, and pipe organs. In 1898, he was the violinist in the Victoria Philharmonic Orchestra and also violist in concerts featuring the Choral Union.

Married twice, Jesse's first wife was Alice Beatrice (nee Kayton), a gifted contralto. In 1927, at age 39, Alice passed away leaving Jesse and two sons. In 1930, Jesse married Agnes Winifred (nee McDonald), an organist. They had one daughter.

In 1900, Longfield was organist at St. Barnabas Anglican Church. From 1901 -1903, he was organist at the Metropolitan Methodist (later United) Church on occasion and guest organist at St. John's Anglican Church. In 1904-1939, he held the position of organist and choir director at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. All positions were in Victoria.

Over the years, Longfield performed and conducted several orchestras in Victoria. In 1915 he was guest artist with the Arion Male Voice Choir. He also conducted the Metropolitan Sunday School Orchestra, St. Andrew's Church Orchestra, the Cecilian Orchestra and the Elks Symphony Orchestra (1922). Outside of his musical activities, he played cricket and was secretary of the Five C's Cricket Club.

Longfield was honoured by the membership of St. Andrew's Church after 25 years of service and then again several years later. A plaque hangs on the wall behind the church organ in his honour. He died in 1939.