UofM School of Music Alum earns GRAMMY Music Educator Award

March 11, 2021 — Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music alum Dr. Jeffrey Murdock (PhD Music Education, 2015) was awarded the 2021 GRAMMY Music Educator Award during a livestream event held Thursday.

This award is given annually to an outstanding music educator nominated by other music teachers, school administrators, students, parents or recording academy members. The GRAMMY Music Educator Award is supported by the NAMM Foundation, the National Association for Music Education, and the National Education Association.

“We are honored to have one of our own, Dr. Jeffrey Murdock, recognized by this prestigious award for his substantial contributions in the field of music education,” said Kevin Sanders, director of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. “On behalf of the School of Music, we congratulate him and join him in celebrating this lifetime achievement.”

Murdock is currently associate professor of music and associate director of choral activities at the University of Arkansas. Before his tenure at UofA, he served as the choir director at East High School, Millington Central High School and Soulsville Charter School.

As a recipient of this prestigious award, a video piece centered around Murdock’s teaching at UofA will air during the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards ceremony on Sunday, March 14. The award also includes a $10,000 personal honorarium.

“I can’t think of a more deserving recipient of this prestigious award,” said Ryan Fisher, associate professor of Music Education with the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music and associate dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts.

Fisher served as Murdock’s major professor during his doctoral studies.

“When I first met Jeff in 2013, I knew he was special,” Fisher said. “After watching him work with high school and college students, it was evident he has a tremendous impact on those fortunate to have him as their teacher and choir director. He pushes his students to perform with excellence while showing compassion and respect. His humor and wit makes him beloved by all, and I am honored to call him a dear friend.”  

In addition to this recent honor, Murdock was elected President-Elect of the Southern Division of the American Choral Directors Association in 2020.