By Jenna Reim

As the new Program Director of Arcadia’s Music department, Elizabeth Murphy is focused on expanding the department’s presence on campus and, ultimately, hopes to institute a music major for students. She brings more than 20 years of experience as a teacher, administrator, and a performer to her role and is determined to get Arcadia students excited about music.

“There is a lot of talent on this campus,” she says. “And I am excited to experience that level of talent and to help students feel like they have a place to call home.”

All students at Arcadia can study music if they choose. Some pursue a minor; others enroll in courses, such as Performance Study, which allow them to further their expertise in a musical instrument or voice. Students also have the ability to challenge themselves by taking elective classes in history, theory, and study abroad.

In the near future, Murphy hopes to offer new and innovative classes to students. “We will be seeking creative expression and global distinctions for our current courses to make them more appealing for the general student body. We are also working on providing more ensemble opportunities for students.”  Currently, Arcadia offers an Instrumental Ensemble for students on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and String Ensemble from 7 to 9 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, both for two credits.

Murphy also is interested in collaborating with other departments. “I am very excited to meet new faculty and staff here at Arcadia and to work with them to generate interest in music and to combine our departments’ programs.”

Aside from working hard to improve the music department for the Arcadia community, Murphy excels as a teacher and has taught at Arcadia since 2002. She teaches MU159.2 Performance Studies in Voice and previously has taught introductory courses as well as Music History. She’s also leant her soprano voice to a variety of musical events on campus, including the annual F. William and Martha Lee Sunderman Chamber Music Concert.

While she works hard, Murphy also knows how to have fun. She enjoys listening to music by Beverly Sills and Renee Fleming. She also loves to travel and can converse and sing in French, German, and Italian. “I love to see extraordinary sights, eat, drink, and experience all that other cultures have to offer.”

Jenna Reim is a graduate student in the Master of Arts in English program.