Kevin Murphy: Current: Faculty: Jacobs School of Music: Indiana University Bloomington (2024)

Biography

Pianist Kevin Murphy is professor of music in collaborative piano and director of coaching and music administration for IU Opera Theater at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.

A leading figure in the world of classical vocal music, he has served as Jacobs faculty since 2011. In 2016, he joined newly appointed professor Anne Epperson as codirector in creating the graduate degree program in Collaborative Piano.

Since 2011, Murphy has been director of the Program for Singers at Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute, and 2013-14 marked his first season as artistic consultant for the Tucson Desert Song Festival. He is currently artistic director of the Tel Aviv International Summer Opera Program. He also is frequently a guest vocal coach with Santa Fe Opera and will be guest coach for Los Angeles Opera in 2023.

He was previously director of music administration and casting advisor at the New York City Opera (2008-12) and director of musical studies at the Opéra National de Paris (2006-08).

Murphy was the first pianist and vocal coach invited by Maestro James Levine to join the prestigious Lindemann Young Artist Program at the Metropolitan Opera, and from 1993 to 2006, Murphy was an assistant conductor at the Met.

In his capacity as a member of the Met’s music staff, Murphy played continuo harpsichord for many productions and toured Japan with the company. He also performed in Carnegie Hall with the MET Orchestra Chamber Ensemble and has frequently played chamber music with members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.

In addition to his on- and off-stage partnership with his wife, soprano Heidi Grant Murphy, he has collaborated in concert and recital with artists such as Michelle DeYoung, Thomas Hampson, Danielle de Niese, Lawrence Brownlee, Marcelo Alvarez, Iestyn Davies, Bejun Mehta, Gary Lakes, Kathleen Battle, Nathan Gunn, Elina Garanča, Matthew Polenzani, Cecilia Bartoli, Frederica von Stade, Plácido Domingo, Paul Groves, Renée Fleming, Gerald Finley, Kiri Te Kanawa,Wolfgang Brendel, Christine Brewer, and Pinchas Zukerman.

“Kevin Murphy is in the vanguard for Americans who have turned song accompaniment into an art. The pianism was so absorbing, the singer’s entry seemed like an intrusion. There can be no finer compliment,” said the San Francisco Examiner.

He is sought after and respected for his work as a private vocal coach and teacher and has been a guest coach at San Francisco Opera’s Merola Program, the International Vocal Arts Institute in Israel and Italy, Glimmerglass Opera, Tanglewood, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and The Juilliard School. He has also assisted Maestro Seiji Ozawa with his Mozart/Da Ponte opera festival in Japan and has been a guest opera coach at opera companies such as the Netherlands Opera, Canadian Opera Company, and the Ravinia Festival.

In addition to playing and teaching, Murphy recently added conducting to his musical activities. He recently led and produced a staged concert performance of Mozart’sDer Schauspieldirektorat Indiana University and also conducted the Schwabacher concerts at San Francisco Opera’s Merola program.

He wason the podium for Robin Guarino’s production of Emmanuel Chabrier’s operaL’Étoilelast season at Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music and recently conducted Mahler’sKindertotenliederfor Indiana University Ballet Theater.

Murphy’s other chamber music and concert credits include appearances at Isaac Stern Auditorium and Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall, Salzburg’s Mozarteum, London’s Wigmore Hall, the Edinburgh Festival, Tokyo’s Suntory Hall, La Jolla’s Summerfest, Music@Menlo, the Vin et Musique Festival in Burgundy, France, Spivey Hall in Atlanta, and many other venues in the U.S. and abroad.

Murphy has appeared onThe Tonight Showwith Gary Lakes,Good Morning Americawith Cecilia Bartoli, andThe Today Showwith Renée Fleming. He also has been featured on NPR’sAll Things Considered, inThe New York Times, and has recorded for the EMI, Centaur, Arabesque, and Koch labels.

He is a frequent adjudicator for competitions, including the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, where he also has served as official accompanist on stage at the Met.

A native of Syracuse, New York, Murphy earned his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Indiana University and his Master of Music in Piano Accompanying from the Curtis Institute of Music.

Kevin Murphy: Current: Faculty: Jacobs School of Music: Indiana University Bloomington (2024)

FAQs

What is the acceptance rate for Indiana University Jacobs School music? ›

The overall acceptance rate is generally about 25 percent for undergraduate students and about 30 percent for graduate students.

Is Jacobs School of Music a good school? ›

Jacobs consistently ranks among the top music schools in the nation, and Jacobs students are frequent winners in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in New York City each spring.

What is Jacobs School of Music ranked in the world? ›

The Hollywood Reporter named Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music to their list of The World's Best Music Schools of 2023—ranking Jacobs at #10. The Jacobs School prepares students for a successful music career and deepens every student's campus experience with 1,100+ performances each year.

What is the Jacobs School of Music known for? ›

For nearly a century, we have been known for our excellence in performance, artistry, and collaboration—but most of all, for our belief in the inherent value of a creative life. We have helped launch the careers of countless performers, scholars, and music educators who have become leaders around the globe.

Is it hard to get into the Jacobs School of Music? ›

Your acceptance to Jacobs will depend on your audition. As you probably know, Jacobs is difficult to get into.

What GPA do you need for Jacobs School of Music? ›

Preference will be given to applicants who have a grade point average of B or better (3.0 or higher on a 4.0-scale) in their college-preparatory courses.

What is the #1 music school in the US? ›

1. Berklee College of Music. Berklee is the largest independent music school in the world and the leader in contemporary music education. Graduates from their programs are world-renowned for their accomplishments and include hundreds of GRAMMY Award winners.

What is the hardest music school to get into? ›

What is the hardest music school to get into in the US? The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia is considered the hardest music school to get into in the United States. With an acceptance rate of just 4% (according to the institution itself), there are many, many talented musicians who don't make the cut.

How many students go to Jacobs School of Music? ›

The more than 1,600 students who study at the Jacobs School of Music benefit from the intensity and focus of a conservatory combined with the broad academic offerings of a major university.

What is Jacobs University known for? ›

The only English-language private university in Germany, Jacobs University is known for its academic excellence as well as its practical ties to a modern, global world.

Does Indiana have a good music program? ›

Indiana University - Bloomington

#43 Best Colleges for Music in America.

Where do Jacobs School of Music students live? ›

Residence halls feature top-notch amenities

Many Jacobs students choose to live in the Southeast neighborhood, since it's closest to our classroom buildings.

What is the average GPA at IU? ›

Average GPA: 3.76

The average GPA at Indiana University Bloomington is 3.76.

Where is the best music college in the world? ›

Best Music Schools in the World
Best Music Schools in the World 2024-25
UniversityQS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Music
Royal College of Music, London, UK1
Royal Academy of Music, London, UK2
Conservatoire national supérieur de musique et de danse de Paris (CNSMDP), Paris, France3
7 more rows

How much is a semester at IU? ›

Full-time undergraduate students - Indiana Partner*
ItemLiving on campusLiving off campus
Tuition and fees$15,068$15,068
Housing and Food$13,010$13,010
Books and supplies$690$690
Transportation$336$2,350
2 more rows

What music college has the highest acceptance rate? ›

ACCEPTANCE RATES OF TRADITIONAL CONSERVATORIES AND MUSIC COLLEGES
  • Boston Conservatory – 42% ...
  • Manhattan School of Music – 43% ...
  • Cleveland Institute of Music – 43% ...
  • San Francisco Conservatory of Music – 44% ...
  • The Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University – 52% ...
  • Berklee College of Music – 53% ...
  • Shenandoah Conservatory – 70%
Feb 3, 2021

What is the number one music school in the US? ›

1. Berklee College of Music. Berklee is the largest independent music school in the world and the leader in contemporary music education. Graduates from their programs are world-renowned for their accomplishments and include hundreds of GRAMMY Award winners.

What is the acceptance rate for Indiana University? ›

Indiana University admissions is somewhat selective with an acceptance rate of 82%. Students that get into Indiana University have an average SAT score between 1180-1400 or an average ACT score of 27-32. The regular admissions application deadline for Indiana University is February 1.

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