From the age of 16, Chris Murphy was educated at the Hertfordshire County Music School in Hitchin. In 1970 he won an Eastman-Kodak Music Scholarship and studied clarinet, firstly as a Junior Exhibitioner with Keith Puddy at Trinity College of Music and later, as a Dartington College undergraduate, majoring in performance, with David Campbell. Saxophone studies were with Peter Ripper.

After leaving Music College in 1975 Chris joined Central Band of the Royal Air Force performing in a wide variety of venues throughout the world including Radio and T.V broadcasts and on State Occasions. Under the Directorship of Wing Commander Martindale, Chris became more involved in Jazz, performing with several prominent civilian Dance Orchestras and Big Bands as well as the RAF's 'Swing Wing' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9GxBN9HA4c&feature=related) which was to pave the way for the reformation of the elite 'Squadronniares' big band
(http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xhdrp_the-squadronnaires_music).

During his time in the RAF, Chris Murphy also gained his first experience of music teaching and undertook part-time instrumental teaching appointments at The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe and for the (then) Inner London Education Authority (ILEA). He was later to become a music instructor at the RAF School of Music HQMS Uxbridge. Chris was also able to find time for other orchestral and freelance engagements outside of the RAF, working regularly in West End theatre productions (including several world premiers) of shows such as: Evita, Cats and Barnum. West End Theatre, Music-Theatre and Session work continued after leaving the RAF in 1981 with shows such as Starlight Express, Chess, Song and Dance, Sunset Boulevard, West Side Story and The Blues Brothers.

Throughout the 1980''s and 90's Chris continued to work internationally as a professional musician and music teacher in specialist music schools in Scandinavia and the Arabian Gulf. At various times since 1981 he has also held University posts as a Visiting Lecturer, Senior Lecturer and Course Tutor/Leader as well instrumental teaching posts for several Local Authority Music Services in the U.K. A deep commitment to all aspects of music education has also led Chris to work extensively as an Advanced Skills Teacher in mainstream and special education and where he has held posts as Director of Music in both British and American International Schools. He has also been an examiner in Higher Education and a Juror for the British Federation of Music Festivals.

Post Graduate studies at the Open University and University of London led to the award of Post Graduate Certificate in Education [QTS] (1991) and Masters Degree in Music Education {1993). He later registered to read for a research degree at the University of London. Cambridge University Press and Routledge have published academic articles by Chris Murphy in the field of Music Education and Musicology and some of his work in the field of Music Psychology has been used in the 2002 Course Reader 'Aspects of Teaching Secondary Music' for the Open University PGCE Music Course. After several years of performing and teaching in the Arabian Gulf, he returned to the U.K. in 1999 to work as a Music Education Consultant and Freelance Musician.

Professional freelance performance and session engagements spanning over 30 years have involved work with various groups and ensembles in a wide and very diverse range of styles from Jazz, Rock and Pop, to Ethnic, Folk and Classical music genres. In addition to work as a solo concert recitalist this has included work with the many leading UK orchestras including the BBC Concert & Light Orchestras, RPO, RLPO, Ballet Rambert, and Glyndebourne Touring Opera. Chris has also worked with many professional orchestras and ensembles in Spain, Scandinavia and the Arabian Gulf.

Prizes and Awards:

Hertfordshire Education Foundation Music Prize
Eastman-Kodak Music Scholarship
British Federation of Music Festivals 1st Prize
International Music Contest for Young Performers 'Cittr di Chiera' : Category B Finalist
International Clarinet Competition - Paris - Ville d'Avry: Finalist
Le Concours International d'Instruments a Vent, Toulon. Finalist
The Elmhurst Trust Award

Memberships and Professional Associations:

ISM, Musicians Union, ICA (International Clarinet Association) WKA (World Clarinet Alliance) , GTC of Great Britain, NUT.