SOULFUL. VIBRANT. WARM. AUTHENTIC.

Le’Andra McPhatter is an American pianist and organist whose music radiates warmth, soul, and an unwavering dedication to the legacy of Black American Music. Born in Kinston, NC, and currently based in Hartford, CT, Le’Andra’s artistry is shaped by gospel, soul, and jazz. She is a dynamic and versatile improviser, blending tradition with forward-thinking expression to craft music that both honors the past and embraces the future. Her playing is an offering—one that settles the mind, heart, and soul, inviting listeners into a space of comfort, reflection, and joy.

Le’Andra’s musical journey began at the age of three, immersed in the sounds of her musical family and the deep-rooted tradition of the church. It was there that she first discovered the power of music to uplift and transform. As she grew, she was introduced to jazz, which expanded her artistic vocabulary and ignited her passion for improvisation. Her path led her to North Carolina Central University, where she earned a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies in 2018, and now to the University of Hartford, where she is completing her Master of Music in Jazz Studies, set to graduate in May 2025.

Over the years, Le’Andra has shared her artistry in libraries, jazz clubs, festivals, and churches, including performances at the North Carolina Folk Festival, Juneteenth Festival, PLAYList Concert Series, and Dizzy’s Jazz Club with the NCCU Jazz Ensemble. She has had the honor of working alongside esteemed artists such as Shana Tucker, Branford Marsalis, Doobie Powell, Vanessa Ferguson, and Lisa Simone. Each collaboration and performance is an extension of her mission—to create music that entertains, heals, and instills joy.

Beyond the stage, Le’Andra is a passionate educator and advocate for music as a tool for empowerment. She has served as a guest lecturer and clinician at Shaw University, worked in both public and private K-12 education, and provided professional development for music educators on the integration of Black American Music in the classroom. As the founder of Journey Music Academy (2018-2023) and Journey Online (2024-present), she has helped cultivate the next generation of musicians, ensuring that the rich tradition of Black American Music continues to thrive. She has also contributed her expertise as a curriculum specialist on the board of a non-profit (BUMP: The Triangle) dedicated to music education.

Le’Andra’s upcoming album, Like Home, Vol. 1, set for release in the fall of 2025, is a deeply personal project that reflects her journey as an artist and storyteller. Rooted in gospel, jazz, and soul, the album is a testament to her belief that music is a home—one that welcomes all, nurtures the spirit, and offers solace in an ever-changing world. Through this project, she invites listeners to experience the warmth, emotional depth, and groove that define her artistry.

Former US Jazz Ambassador and current Dean of Graduate Studies of Berklee College of Music, Dr. Lenora Helm-Hammonds, describes her as “one of the most inspiring young jazz and contemporary pianists and composers on the scene,” noting her “beautiful melodies, groove, passion, elegance, and soulfulness.”