High Point, N.C. Classical Guitarist – David Michael Cray
N.C. Classical Guitarist David Michael Cray is a professional classical guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, recording engineer, and award-winning poet based in High Point, North Carolina. With over 1,200 performances across North Carolina and a 200-mile radius, David specializes in custom music packages, corporate events, weddings, private concerts, and studio recordings.
Custom Music Packages – Crayfish Creations
Transform your special occasion with Crayfish Creations’ custom music packages. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or private celebration, David crafts personalized compositions that create lasting memories.
- Includes a free PDF: “10 Principles of How to Create a Precious Memory”, based on his award-winning poem A Precious Memory.
- Access to David’s free webinar: Making Musical Memories – learn how music helps with memory creation.
- Music samples and original compositions tailored to your event.
- Custom merchandise and digital bonuses with free shipping.
Albums & Music
“Little Miracles” – Free Album
David’s first classical improvisation album, “Little Miracles”, is available for free to subscribers of the Crayfish Clan newsletter.
Join the Crayfish Clan
“Dying to Live” – Latest Album
Released December 15th, “Dying to Live” is available now on Bandcamp. Experience David’s signature fingerstyle improvisations and original compositions.
Order the Album
Corporate & Private Event Performances
David is available for live performances throughout North Carolina within a 200-mile radius of High Point N.C., including Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Charlotte, Raleigh, and surrounding areas.
Services include:
- Corporate events, conferences, and private functions
- Weddings, receptions, and house concerts
- Meditation, yoga, and wellness sessions
- Retirement communities, churches, and charity events
David integrates his music with wellness and inspirational messages, drawing on his experience as a North Carolina-certified mental health support specialist.
Book David for Your Event
Writing & Poetry
David is an award-winning poet published in:
- International Library of Poetry’s “Best Poems & Poets of 2007”
- Chiaroscuro Magazine poetry competition (Honorable Mention)
- Coffee table books: Centres of Expression (2007), A Surrender to the Moon (2005)
Upcoming books of original poetry and lyrics (Christian and secular) are in preparation.
Testimonials
More testimonials available on the Testimonial Page.
About David Michael Cray
Education & Training
David Michael Cray graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) in Classical Guitar Performance and studied further at Berklee College of Music and Brevard College. He also trained privately with world-renowned teachers:
- Aaron Shearer: Infamous classical guitar teacher, published 13 books with Mel Bay, most competition-winning students in the world.
- Gerald Klickstein: Student of Andrés Segovia, Founder of Music Entrepreneurship & Career Center at Peabody Institute.
- Roger Cope: Ted Award winner, studied with Aaron Copland, Leo Brouwer, Bruce Holzman.
- Larry Almeida: UNCSA assistant professor.
- Robert Calmes: Professor of Literature and director of writing at St. Joseph’s Seminary College.
David also participated in masterclasses with internationally renowned classical guitarists, including five Grammy winners and many competition winners including:
- William Kanengizer – Two-time Grammy winner, L.A. Guitar Quartet
- David Russell – 2004 Grammy winner
- Sergio Assad – Two-time Latin Grammy winner
- Paul O’Dette – Lute performer with 5 Grammy nominations
- Norbert Kraft – CBC & Andres Segovia Competition winner
- Andrew Zohn – Winner of 5 national/international competitions
- Ricardo Cobo – Mulitple Competition wins including:Guitar Foundation of America International Competition Winner, Alirio Díaz International Competition Winner, Casa de España Competition Winner. Awarded the “Order of Cañasgordas” by Colombia and personally by the Mayor of Cali, with the “Order of Belalcazar”
- Bruce Holzman - Teacher tied with Aaron Shearer for having the most competition winner students. Professor at Florida State University.
Performance Experience
Since 1990, David has performed over 1,200 times in solo and group settings. Highlights include:
- Twice with the Winston-Salem Symphony’s “Pops in the Park”
- Founder & guitarist of Contemporary Christian Rock Band “Temples of the Spirit”
- Performer with Christian Rock Bands “Zion” and “Surrendered,” sharing the stage with Billboard Top 40 artists
- Weekly therapeutic improvisation performances for mental health support groups
Music Style & Repertoire
David performs solo classical guitar pieces from every musical period, including:
- Classical Repertoire, Hymns, and Broadway tunes
- Popular songs and original fingerstyle improvisations
- Custom compositions for weddings, corporate events, and personal milestones
Stay Connected – Crayfish Clan
Join the Crayfish Clan for free MP3s, poetry, wellbeing tips, and exclusive merchandise:
Join NowSupport David’s Work
Support David’s mission to spread peace, joy, and love through music:
- Purchase albums: Dying to Live
- Donate via PayPal: Contribute
Social & Music Links
North Carolina Cities David Michael Cray is focused on serving are in the list below. There is an additional travel fee for cities over 90 miles from High Point. Other cities are possible for performances too. Contact David to find out more information on performances. Here is the list:
City,Distance from High Point (mi)
High Point,0
Jamestown,4.7
Archdale,6.6
Thomasville,6.6
Trinity,7.2
Wallburg,8.4
Midway,11.9
Kernersville,12
Pleasant Garden,13.6
Greensboro,14
Welcome,14.6
Randleman,14.8
Oak Ridge,15.1
Forest Oaks,16.9
Lexington,17
Winston-Salem,17
Walkertown,17.3
Summerfield,18.4
Stokesdale,19.5
Asheboro,20.2
Clemmons,21.6
McLeansville,22
Advance,22.6
Tyro,22.9
Franklinville,22.9
Denton,23.1
Bermuda Run,23.5
Southmont,24.7
Ramseur,25
Lewisville,25.1
Liberty,25.3
Rural Hall,25.4
Gibsonville,27.9
Elon,29.7
Madison,29.8
King,29.9
Spencer,30.2
East Spencer,30.5
Mocksville,31.4
Glen Raven,31.5
Mayodan,31.6
Salisbury,32.8
Burlington,33.2
Reidsville,33.5
Siler City,34.4
Graham,34.7
Swepsonville,36.3
Haw River,37
Saxapahaw,38.2
Badin,38.5
Yadkinville,38.6
Eden,39.1
Pilot Mountain,39.5
China Grove,41.9
Mebane,42.4
Robbins,43
Biscoe,43.1
Albemarle,43.3
Kannapolis,47.4
Yanceyville,48.5
Yanceyville,48.5
Concord,49.7
Mount Airy,50.4
Statesville,50.8
Elkin,51.1
Troy,51.2
Hillsborough,51.3
Carrboro,52.1
Chapel Hill,53.2
Sanford,56.8
Huntersville,60.2
Pinehurst,60.6
Durham,61.9
Southern Pines,64.1
Oxford,64.6
Aberdeen,65.5
Henderson,65.9
Apex,66.5
Charlotte,68.9
Cary,69
Hickory,76
Wake Forest,76
Raleigh,77
Gastonia,82
Fayetteville,89
Lumberton,89
Lincolnton,91
Shelby,91
Dunn,105
Smithfield,111
Marion,118
Wilson,118
Goldsboro,119
Kinston,119
Clinton,119
Mount Olive,119
Spruce Pine,124
Rocky Mount,124
Boone,134
Burnsville,134
Morganton,142
Robbinsville,142
Morganton,142
Hendersonville,145
Greenville,149
Tarboro,149
Washington,149
Roanoke Rapids,152
Laurinburg,152
Waynesville,154
Jacksonville,166
Wilmington,169
New Bern,169
Whiteville,169
Morehead City,178
Elizabeth City,189
Photo Attributions:
Header photo of “David Cray with Guitar” taken by Slava Otovska
Claw Logo Photo by David Michael Cray
“Little Miracles” Album Cover Photo by Heather VanLooy
“Dying To Live” Album Cover Photo by Crayion AI
Photo of Younger Me in a Suit Performing by Jan Hoffmann
Photo of Me in Suit at My Wedding in 2012 by Heather Van Looy
Crayfish In Hot tub by unknown artist.
Me with guitar and sunset by Slava Otovska