Isaiah McCray

I am a solo piano artist, dabbling in jazz, RnB, gospel, and pop music. I often put jazz interpretations on popular songs, and I am always looking for inventive new ways to play my favorite songs. I bring a speaker for pre-programmed bass accompaniment for certain songs, but I do not require it. I prepare a set list ahead of time, however, I can be flexible to adapt to the setting of the event.

Hello!
I'm Isaiah McCray, a 18-year-old college student based in Chicago, IL. I've been playing piano ever since I was 5 years old and started messing around on my parents' old keyboard. Music was my first ever love, and it is a passion of mine to find new things in the songs I play and listen to. Being able to sit at the piano and let my emotions run free is, and has consistently been, the highlight of my days.
I was fortunate to discover jazz at the beginning of high school, and the improvisational nature of the music coupled with the freedom of expression made me instantly gravitate towards the genre.
I currently am a freshman at Northwestern University where I plan to major in economics with a minor in Mathematics. Music will always be a part of my life, however, and it is a blessing to be able to share my gift.
I was fortunate enough to be selected twice for the Maryland Music Educators' Association All-State Senior Jazz Band (2024 & 2025) as the only pianist selected in the state of Maryland. I am also honored to have won a YoungArts Award in the Jazz Piano discipline (2025). YoungArts has a highly competitive application process for talented artists, judged by an independent panel of highly accomplished artists through a rigorous blind adjudication process. YoungArts winners represent the top 7% of applicants and are eligible to receive valuable
financial awards.

I require a space with a piano provided, whether acoustic or electric, and any amplifying sound systems if necessary. I provide a small speaker that I use for pre-programmed bass and light drum tracks to accompany myself, however, I do not use them for every song, and I can be flexible.