My name is Micheal Murray, an Irish saxophonist and composer, based in Amsterdam for the last 4 years :)

I began my musical journey around the age of 7/8, so over 20 years ago! I grew up in Ireland, playing Irish traditional music with local groups, and from there picking up harmonica and getting into blues music for many years. After that I began playing jazz, eventually getting into jazz, and the rest is history from there!

I first  moved to Glasgow at the age of 18, where I played on the scene there with many great musicians and studying with many great  teachers. Over those years I played a lot in Scotland and Ireland, and recorded some albums. 

Most recently in the last 4 years, I decided to continue studying and playing on a new music scene, so I moved to Amsterdam. Since making that choice, I have been lucky to become someone who performs with many groups here, over a broad range of styles from traditional jazz/ambient/electronics and improvised music. I was honoured to receive the Keep an Eye Records in 2024 and release my debut album Rounded Nature (I included some links above) and to perform in venues/festivals such as Amsterdam Jazz, Jazz at Duketown, Bimhuis and TivoliVrendburg, and across many countries in Europe and most recently as part of a contemporary audio/visual project that we toured across China.

I come with a very open heart to music, reflected in the people I play with and also how I approach teaching. I believe in creating a learning environment for the student that allows everyone to learn in a way that is fun and approachable, no matter the level/style/goal. 

As a teacher, I have taught since the age of 18 in many settings ranging from community projects, to group and indivdual lessons as well as being a faculty member on festivals like Sligo Jazz Festival (one of Europe's biggest summer schools in jazz). I feel this experience, as well as that as a performer helps to create a great environment to learn in!

Playing and studying saxophone is one of the main passions of my life, something I have been doing over the last 19 years. As a musician I am someone who comes to music in a very open manner, having played many different styles, from Irish traditional to blues, Jazz and Improvised music. 

In my lessons we can explore a wide range of topics including:

saxophone technique

sound

classical study

improvisation/transcription/listening

how to practice

self learning

I approach music in a way where we tailor the learning to the needs of each student in a way that is approachable,  fun  and an enviroment where you can be comfortable learning in.  Having played professionaly for over ten years, and teaching since the age of 18, my lessons suit everyone no matter what the stage, ranging from beginners to advanced. I have a deep love and passion for both saxophone and music, and I would love to share that with you!