Olivia - Conducting Harmonies
Olivia Murphy
Composer and Musician
BMus (Hons) Jazz
Olivia discovered her passion for jazz in her musical journey and worked hard to earn her place at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Gaining experience and confidence, she’s since formed her own jazz orchestra and is now a freelance composer, conductor, and teacher.
“I always knew I wanted to study and be involved in music in some way, but I didn't start learning jazz until I was in Sixth Form. Finding out there were jazz performance courses was a big revelation and I immediately started researching courses and what I had to do as part of the application process.
I remember finding the Conservatoire open day very friendly, the teachers and students were very positive and open to questions. I remember also being very impressed by the Conservatoire Jazz Orchestra performance and knew I wanted to be involved in that.
My main challenge was getting in. I started learning jazz very late compared to my peers, and I didn't have as much experience as other applicants. In the run up to my audition, I put in a lot of practice and was very fortunate and grateful to receive a place at the Conservatoire.
During my studies, I took part in the Erasmus scheme and studied at Royal Conservatoire of The Hague in the Netherlands for a term, which was a special experience. My final year project was a composition-based project where I put together a large ensemble, which was my first time organising my own big band and it was an exciting and educational experience for me. I was also proud to win the RBC Jazz Composition Award twice, which was a huge confidence boost for me and helped me believe in myself more.
I loved regularly performing in the RBC Jazz Orchestra, Ellington Orchestras and Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestras. I also really liked studying conducting too, which gave me a lot of foundation for the conducting I do now.
I'm now a freelance composer, conductor, instrumentalist and teacher. I compose and direct my own jazz orchestra, which allows me to be creative with my composition. I am also regularly commissioned by various organisations and ensembles to provide new music for syllabuses, orchestras and ensembles across the UK.
I also work with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and am now a resident Musical Director, meaning I direct rehearsals and performances for outreach projects across the country.
One of my career highlights has been forming my own jazz orchestra, the Olivia Murphy Jazz Orchestra, through the Help Musician's Peter Whittingham Award. We performed our first show at Birmingham Symphony Hall in 2022 which felt like a homecoming of sorts. We have since released a live album, performed again in Birmingham and London, and have an upcoming performance and a studio recording booked for later this year.
I often doubt myself and underestimate what is possible. These feelings are sometimes a natural part of being a freelance musician, but I find focusing on my goals, regardless of how out of reach they may feel, is important. Working in the arts, perseverance is one of the most important things and you must remember to be patient and continue working hard.
Before studying, I was underestimated by others. It can be disappointing and frustrating to feel like those around you do not believe in you. However, I tend to try and use it as encouragement to work harder and prove people wrong. The support I received at the Conservatoire from my uplifting tutors and talented peers helped me believe in myself. I'm now more at a point where others' opinions are less important to me and if I am happy with my own output and am working as hard as I can, that is all that matters.
Now, though, I feel much more confident in my voice as an artist and proud of the work I have done so far. I am also very clear about where I want my career to go, which I wasn't so sure of when I first started studying.
I'm proud to be part of a community of students from varying backgrounds who have studied a wide range of courses.”
