About Tim Murray
I'm an ethnomusicologist and a dedicated musician. My academic pursuits traverse the realms of Arctic ethnomusicology and anthropology, where I place a strong theoretical emphasis on musical soundscapes, phenomenology, and the semiotics of music and emotion. My educational journey includes earning a Ph.D. and an MA in ethnomusicology from the University of Florida, complemented by a BA in English Literature from the University of North Texas.
In my published work, I've investigated communal soundscapes of Connecticut's Ancient fife and drum community (Routledge, 2021) and, more recently, the impacts of Inuit drum dancing on the psychosocial well-being of Inuit residents in Ulukhaktok, an Inuit community in the Canadian Arctic in my recently published monograph, The Effects of Inuit Drum Dancing on Psychosocial Well-Being and Resilience (Lexington Books, 2023).
Currently, I serve as an adjunct lecturer at the University of Florida, the University of North Florida, and Santa Fe College. As a former first-generation student, I deeply empathize with the challenges and opportunities that arise when navigating higher education without the guidance of experienced family members. My personal journey through college was marked by both triumphs and setbacks, which has fueled my unwavering commitment to assisting others in overcoming similar obstacles. Simply put, it’s my aim to provide mentorship, share valuable insights, and help them navigate the intricacies of academia. I firmly believe that education should be accessible to all, period.
Beyond my academic pursuits, I lead an active life as a jazz drummer and world music percussionist in North Central Florida. My musical journey began during my undergraduate years at the University of North Texas, where I received private drum set instruction from Ed Soph, Henry Okstel, and Dan Robins. I also had the honor of performing in both the UNT Afro-Cuban Ensemble under the tutelage of José M. Aponte and the UNT African Percussion Ensemble, directed by Gideon F. Alorwoyie.
When I began my graduate studies at UF, I had the opportunity to participate in UF’s Jacaré Brazil ensemble under the direction of Drs. Welson Tremura and Larry Crook and the UF AfroPop Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Sarah Politz. In the Fall of 2023, I had the amazing opportunity to take over as director of the UF AfroPop Ensemble, and in the Spring of 2024, I had another fun semester of working with these fine student musicians.
Additionally, I have expanded my skill set through participation in drum set workshop intensives with notable figures like Jim Chapin, Steve Davis, Danny Gottlieb, and Clyde Connor. I've also dedicated myself to teaching and offering percussion instruction. In the past, in addition to private instruction, I’ve taught at various Florida high schools, including Martin County, Ft. Pierce Central, South Fork, and Trenton, as well as at Indian River State College. Sharing my passion for music and culture with students has been a deeply rewarding part of my journey.
In 2004, I relocated to the Gainesville area, where I live with my wife, Stacey Ewing, an academic librarian at Library West Humanities & Social Sciences at UF. We enjoy living right outside of Gainesville in the sleepy town of Archer with our four cats.