Meet mcquay.
McQuay Morton is a 19 year old Pianist, Composer, Songwriter, and Arranger from Virginia Beach, VA who has been performing jazz, classical and contemporary music on stages for over 5 years. He is a classically trained musician and currently a student at The New School’s School of Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City and has also received training as a student at the prestigious Governor’s School for the Arts (Norfolk, VA), The Levine School (Washington D.C.), and Washington Jazz Arts Institute (Washington DC). With years of experience performing as a solo pianist, in duos and trios, and as a member of several bands, he is well-versed on how to provide musical entertainment at all types of events. He currently studies Jazz Piano at The New School's College of Performing Arts.
McQuay displays his versatility as a musician in his many, unique arrangements of jazz standards along with his own original compositions, some of which have been showcased on television and major venue stages like at the 2026 Havana Jazz Festival, Chrysler Hall, Barclays Center just to name a few. His creative presence extends to social media, where several of his performances on Instagram, both solo and with fellow NYC musicians, have gone viral, further cementing his role as a rising voice in contemporary jazz.
Whether delivering a powerful solo performance, leading a band, or composing new works, McQuay brings depth, versatility, and undeniable presence to every stage.
MCQUAY IN THE NEWS
Coast Live Morning Show - Music Segment featuring McQuay Morton August 2024
Performed an original composition, “When I Think of You”
https://www.wtkr.com/coast-live/mcquay-morton-on-coast-live
Coast Live Morning Show - Music Segment featuring McQuay Morton - June 2023
Performed Chopin’s Waltz in Ab Major Op. 34 No. 1
https://www.wtkr.com/coast-live/local-pianist-representing-hampton-roads-at-naacp-competition-on-coast-live
The Daily Beast Article, “Black Artists Sound Off on Why AI Rapper FN Meka Was So Horribly Offensive”