Brian Murphy, assistant professor of music at William Carey University, is a recipient of the Steinway & Sons Top Teacher Award for 2016. Christy Meyers of Steinway Piano Gallery in Mobile, Alabama, nominated Murphy for his outstanding instruction and leadership in piano education and performance. "His commitment to his students is also evident in his continued dedication to provide music students the finest of instruments for practice and performance," said Meyers.
Murphy joined the WCU Winters School of Music faculty in January 2015. He currently teaches applied piano, class piano, sight-singing and ear training, literature and pedagogy courses; he also accompanies and coaches singers and instrumentalists and plays for Carey Opera. Prior to joining Carey, Murphy worked as a collaborative pianist on staff at Mercer University, Georgia College and State University, and Wesleyan College. He remains active as a soloist, collaborator, and church musician.
Murphy earned a double Master of Music in collaborative piano and choral conducting, as well as a concentration in church music from Mercer University's Townsend School of Music. He earned his Bachelor of Music in piano performance from Mississippi College. Murphy is currently pursuing his D.M.A. in piano performance and pedagogy at the University of Southern Mississippi.
";I am incredibly humbled and honored to have been selected to receive this award," Murphy said. "Over the course of my life as a pianist, teacher, and collaborator, the name of Steinway & Sons has continued to mean more and more. The instrumental builders are truly partners with the pianists that play their instruments. Our art would not be possible without theirs."
All-Steinway School Campaign
William Carey University has launched a campaign to become the first All-Steinway School in the state of Mississippi. The goal of the $864,900 campaign is to purchase 20 Steinway and Steinway-made pianos for student practice rooms, faculty offices, recital and performance halls. During the past year, donations from faculty and School of Music supporters allowed the university to purchase pianos for three practice rooms, two voice teacher offices, and a seven-foot Steinway Model D that will be placed in the recital hall. Dr. Jaime Jimenez recently donated a Boston piano by Steinway that also has been installed in the recital hall.
"Since we at William Carey began our campaign to become an All-Steinway School, the quality of the instruments, dedication of the instrument builders, and kindness of the leadership has only increased my personal and musical admiration for the company," said Murphy. "This honor is not mine alone, but belongs to the entire department of piano teachers and students in the Winters School of Music. This is where the work happens, and it is my hope that our school's dedication to musical excellence and giving back to the community will only be enhanced with our continued friendship with Steinway and Sons."
For more information about the William Carey University Winters School of Music or the All-Steinway School campaign, please call (601) 318-6175. You may reach professor Brian Murphy by email at
bmurphy@wmcarey.edu.