MUSE • Musicians United for Social Equity

Native New Yorker, drummer, and composer Trevor Holder is known for his melodic and groove-oriented approach to playing the drums. Trevor’s dynamic and creative style has served as the rhythmic foundation for ensembles led by a wide range of artists including R&B Grammy award–winning vocalist Caron Wheeler (formerly of Soul II Soul), MacArthur winner and Grammy–nominated jazz pianist Vijay Iyer, Tony award– winner Lillias White, and smooth jazz vibraphonist and vocalist Roy Ayers.

Trevor’s foray into music began on the piano. He cultivated his piano skills at the Manhattan School of Music Prep Division, where he concentrated on classical piano, regularly performing in showcases. As his musical interests broadened, Trevor migrated to the drumkit. He majored in music at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, where he graduated with honors.

After graduating from Wesleyan, Trevor returned home to NYC and immediately started collaborating with artists as a drummer, musical director, and composer. The New York scene gave Trevor the opportunity to immerse himself in an eclectic group of musicians, choreographers, dancers, DJs, and spoken-word artists. Trevor enjoyed playing acoustic drums, electronic drums, hybrid kits, triggering samples, and creating loops for live and studio performances.

In 2009 Trevor made his debut in the world of musical theater, serving as drummer in the National Tour of Dreamgirls. He then went on to hold the drum/percussion chair in other Broadway shows/tours such as:
The Book of Mormon National Tour (October 2018-March 2020)                                                                  The Color Purple National Tour (September 2017-August 2018)
Motown the Musical Second National Tour (Dec 2016–August 2017)
Motown Broadway (July 2016)
Motown First National Tour (March 2014–July 2016)
Memphis First National Tour (September 2011–May 2013)
Memphis Broadway Sub Drummer (Summer 2011)

Trevor enjoys composing for his jazz projects and crossed into a little TV as composer for the Discovery Health Channel 2004 documentary “Dangerous Deception.” In addition, Trevor has also performed/recorded with an array of artists such as Grammy award–winning producer Gordon “Commissioner” Williams (Santana, Amy Winehouse, Lauryn Hill), Brian Jackson, Grammy award–winning keyboardist and producer Sidney Mills (Steele Pulse), Bobbie Humphrey, DJ Logic, Grammy award– winning guitarist Vernon Reid (Living Colour), Angela Bofill, Dadon-La, Tom Browne, Gill Scott-Herron, Jungle Brothers, Dead Prez, Jay Hoggard, Onaje Allen Gumbs, Angela Johnson, Aqua Ife, Burnt Sugar Arkestra, Jessica Care Moore, and celebrated poet Amiri Baraka.