McCoy Plaisted

McCoy Plaisted (they/he) is a rising Hartford-based drummer, composer, arranger, and educator. Focusing on Jazz, McCoy began their study of the drums at age five. While attending Nashua High School South, McCoy’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. McCoy’s passion to pursue a musical career was sparked as they began composing and arranging music at age sixteen.

In 2022, McCoy 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, McCoy’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. McCoy 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, McCoy 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.

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

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

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