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Since joining the University of Missouri in 2021, Megan Murph, Ph.D., has worked to share the narrative of the Budds Center for American Music Studies with everyone she comes into contact with.
As the director of the center, and instructor in musicology and participant in Connection, a faculty support group hosted by the Office of the Provost, Murph’s time is dedicated to exploring the rich history of American music.
“It’s been an exhilarating journey crafting the Budds Center from the ground up,” she said. “The endowment left by Michael Budd, Ph.D. has provided a unique opportunity to delve into the realms of American music, creating a space for research and discovery.”
From renovating the physical space to curating collections of books, CDs and personal papers, Murph’s vision for the center encompasses a vibrant celebration of American musical heritage. Her efforts, coupled with her student assistants’ support, have worked to make a lasting impact on music.
Melody of Inquiry
Murph’s musical journey began at a young age. She was singing before she could even speak, and she quickly explored various instruments throughout school. Her passion for the arts deepened, as did her interest in understanding why people are drawn to music. This led her to pursue music history and musicology through higher education.
“Music and sound offer a window into the complexities of the human experience” she said. “Through my research, I aim to shed light on the often-overlooked narratives embedded within the sonic landscape, fostering a deeper understanding of our world.”
Murph’s current academic pursuits explore the intersection of sound, environment and culture –– a field known as ecomusicology. Her research journey has led her to explore experimental compositions and political meanings of sound installations.
“Cheapside auction block, a center of slave trading in Kentucky in the 19th century, now called Henry A. Tandy Centennial Park, is located across the street from Lexington’s “Surface Reflections” sound installation,” she said. “I stood there and could hear the water running from the installation, and simultaneously heard folks protesting, calling for racial justice. It was a fusion of sounds that represented a specific time and place in Lexington history.”
Music and Beyond
Murph sees listening not as a passive act but rather a transformative experience that holds the power to shape our understanding of the world around us.
One of her goals is to complete her book on the life of sound artist Max Neuhaus. Neuhaus is a versatile artist whose work blurs the boundaries between music and sound art. Through archival research and interviews, Megan will learn more about Neuhaus’ exploration of sound and its relationship to the environment.
“Music doesn’t have to be Beethoven,” she said. “I like to think more broadly of what we can research regarding music and sound.”