Molly Plaisted

Molly Plaisted (they/them) is a rising Hartford-based drummer, composer, arranger, and educator. Focusing on Jazz, Molly began their study of the drums at age five. While attending Nashua High School South, Molly’s music education was built upon performing in large ensembles, including the NH Jazz All-State Big Band and the Spartans Drum and Bugle Corps. Molly’s passion to pursue a musical career was sparked as they began composing and arranging music at age sixteen.

In 2022, Molly graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz and Afro-American Music Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, studying under Jeffrey W. Holmes, Tom Giampietro, and Felipe Salles. While at UMass Amherst, Molly’s studies at UMass Amherst led them to perform as the principal drum set player in the Downbeat award-winning Jazz Ensemble 1 and Marimba Band 1. They also were appointed as the center snare for the Sudler Trophy award-winning UMass Minuteman Marching Band and led its nationally recognized percussion section. Molly produced and released two remotely recorded EPs, a junior and a senior recital, and composed and arranged dozens of works. By the end of their time at UMass Amherst, Molly was awarded The Fletcher Henderson/Max Roach Scholarship Award for their outstanding achievements and dedication to the Jazz Studies program and represented the UMass Jazz Department in New York City at the International Association of Schools of Jazz 2022 conference.

Molly now teaches the UMass Amherst Drumline and performs across New England as bandleader of .mp3 – The Molly Plaisted Trio at the Northampton Jazz Festival, Black Eyed Sally’s, Dewey’s Jazz Lounge, and RD86 Studio. Molly recently performed as the drummer/percussionist for the musical LIZZIE at TheaterWorks Hartford in a female and non-binary-centered cast and band. 

Currently, Molly performs across New England and New York. As a working artist, drummer, teacher, composer, arranger, and producer, they emphasize African-American music's history and uplift female, transgender, and non-binary artists in New England and beyond. They are particularly active in the Western MA, CT, and New York City Jazz scenes.

In the future, Molly plans to move to New York City to pursue a performance career and a Master’s degree in music. Molly is excited to continue meeting new people and forming personal bonds beyond their music. Molly would be remiss if they did not credit their mentors who have helped them on their journey. In addition to being excellent role models, Molly’s mentors inspire them to write, play, and pursue their passions.

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