Ed Murray is Principal Timpanist in the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Drummer for the Memphis Symphony Big Band.
He served as Assistant Principal Percussionist for many years.
He has been the first-call percussionist for the National Broadway touring shows for 34 years and has performed three solos with the MSO over his tenure.
Ed received his B.A. in 1983 from New England Conservatory where he studied with legendary timpanist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Vic Firth. He also studied with Buster Bailey of the New York Philharmonic, Alan Abel, Philadelphia Orchestra, and drum set with Alan Dawson. He received his Master in Education from Union University.
Ed is married to Renée Kemper, Pianist and Music Director. They have a dog named Beamer
who is part honey-badger (Beamer don’t care!), and all three enjoy watching the NFL.
Ed has two children, Amelia, Nurse Practitioner and Richard, Graphic Designer.