Isaiah McCray is a jazz and contemporary pianist, composer, and vocalist from Columbia, Maryland. Selected twice as the sole pianist in the state of Maryland, Isaiah is a two-time Maryland All-State Jazz Band honoree (2024, 2025). Isaiah was also a recipient of the prestigious YoungArts award in 2025, being the only youth jazz instrumentalist in the state of Maryland selected for his year. Classically trained, he has performed at both Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Isaiah is also a vocalist, known for blending his piano artistry with soulful interpretations of jazz and contemporary standards. His currently a freshman at Northwestern University, double majoring in Economics and Music with a Math minor. His work explores the intersection of improvisation, tradition, and innovation.

Isaiah began studying piano at the age of 5 through the lens of traditional classical music. Trained by ear, he continued his studies through high school, where he began teaching himself jazz music at the age of 15. Through this study, he has been a participant of notable jazz programs including Paul Carr’s Jazz Academy of Music. Isaiah has performed either as a bandleader or a sideman in various jazz clubs around DC and Chicago, including Simone’s Jazz Club and Keystone Korner. Isaiah loves to incorporate various forms of Black contemporary music into his creation, including but not limited to R&B, gospel, and neo-soul.