Tammy Murray

I'm a singer, composer, recording artist (on albums and jingles), and have won and judged for musical competitions.  I've taught at many music & dance camps, music festivals, museums, artists-in-the-schools programs, workshops (including The Augusta Heritage Center [Elkins, WV], The Florida Folk Festival, and many others throughout Florida), and was the Pre-K through 5th Grade Elementary Music teacher at a local private school for 11 years.

My musical knowledge has its roots from private music lessons (since the age of 8 1/2), attendance at the University of Florida, private research, and from a myriad of musical jam sessions, festivals, concerts, workshops, and master classes.  My life-long musical passion has been rewarded with the honor of being the First Place
recipient of numerous prestigious musical championships and awards, including: Two-Time National Champion Old-Time Banjo Picking (Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival, Murfreesboro, TN), 1st Place Contest Winner Old-Time Banjo (Mt. Airy, NC, The Florida Folk Festival [FFF], and The Pioneer Florida Old-Time Music Championships [PFOTMC], 1st Place Contest Winner for Senior, Twin, and Rustic Fiddle (FFF & PFOTMC), Hammered Dulcimer (PFOTMC), Old Time Singing - Female Solo (PFOTMC), and the 1987 and 1988 recipient of The Edward Lee Flemming, Jr. Award "For outstanding proficiency on musical instruments and exemplification of the old-time spirit in the state of Florida" (PFOTMC).

The greatest musical honor I've been gifted with, however, has been from my students:  it is their nickname for me, which is "Music Mom". Many of my alumni students have kept in touch with me over the years. Most of them continue to play the instruments they studied with me. A lot of them happily attend jam sessions with family and friends. Some have learned to play additional instruments, won musical contests, perform music (locally, statewide, and nationally), compose, record, or teach music, and a few have become luthiers. The funniest musical honor I have been given (from my musical peers) is the nickname: "Intergalactic Banjo Goddess"!

Thank you very much for getting to know me here. I wish you the very best lifetime filled with music, love and peace.

Sincerely and Tunefully Yours,

Tammy Murray