Morgan Parker is a New York City based drummer, rhythmic percussionist, and artist. A recent graduate of New York University, Morgan holds a Masters of Music in Percussion Performance. 

 

As a versatile artist, her in-depth understanding of genres such as R&B, Pop, Rock, Latin, Jazz, Classical, and African music has afforded her opportunities to perform in a variety of environments, including live cabaret shows, recording studios, Off-Broadway theaters, and nationally televised performances. Credits include: Neil Simon Theatre, New World Stages, Feinstein’s/54 Below, Joe’s Pub, Midnight Theatre, Green Room 42, Rattlestick Theater, Connelly Theater, The Bitter End, and many more. Among these productions, Morgan has subbed the percussion book for MJ the Musical on Broadway and the drum/percussion book for Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish Off-Broadway. She also originated the drum/percussion chair for the Off-Broadway shows SKIN and Safe Hands. Additional notable credits include features in the ESPN Phil Collins Tribute as well as the PASIC 2021 World Showcase Concert of Valerie Naranjo’s African Gyil Percussion Ensemble.

 

She has performed with the following artists: Bernard Purdie, John Miller, Valerie Naranjo, James Saporito, Holly James, Olutayo Bosede, Ericka Hunter, Jin Ha, A.J. Shively, Roe Hartrampf, Jeanna de Waal, Krystina Alabado, Erin Davie, Nathan Lucrezio, Libby Winters, Marina Pires, and more.

 

Morgan is the featured drummer on NYU’s studio recording of Songs for a New World, which won Runner-Up for The American Prize in Virtual Performance award under the direction of Ted Sperling. She performed the newest edition of Applause written exclusively for NYU’s Broadway Orchestra under the direction of Joshua Rosenblum. Morgan is also a 2-time DownBeat Student Music Award Winner for Asynchronous Blues/Pop/Rock Group - Graduate College with NYU’s Pop/Rock Ensemble. 

 

When she’s not performing, Morgan is a Stage Manager for The New York Pops, and has managed performances at Radio City Music Hall and Carnegie Hall. Other accolades include Sound Stage Manager for the 2022 Freddy Awards and Valerie Naranjo’s sub instructor for NYU’s African Gyil Percussion Ensemble.

 

Morgan is a proud endorser of DREAM Cymbals and Gongs.