Retired from education since 2004, Murray Charles Bradshaw, PhD, previously served as an esteemed professor of musicology and history of music at the University of California, Los Angeles beginning in 1966. Delving into the realms of music and education from a young age, he found that musicology encompassed all of the disciplines for which he had passion, including history, music, languages and writing. Weaving together his favorite subjects into one entity, Dr. Bradshaw has proven his dedication and versatility in the field.
Prior to his most recent appointment, Dr. Bradshaw chaired the department of musicology at UCLA from 1993 to 1995. He commenced his career as a music critic with the Gary Post Tribune in Indiana in 1962. To date, he continues to serve as an organist and choirmaster at various churches throughout California, a role he has fulfilled since 1948. Likewise, he also participated in church music in the states of Indiana and Illinois throughout his career.
The former president of his local chapter of the American Musical Society from 1979 to 1981, Dr. Bradshaw served in the United States Army for two years while pursuing formal education. He received a Master of Music in piano from the former American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955, followed by a Master of Music in organ from the same academic institution in 1958. After obtaining some hands-on experience in the field, he earned a Doctor of Philosophy in musicology from the University of Chicago in 1969.
Dr. Bradshaw attributes his profound success to his mentors, Professor Edward E. Lowinsky at the University of Chicago and pianist Grace Welsh. As a testament to his professional success, he received a travel grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities in 1994 and a grant from the American Philosophical Society in 1987. Married to Sharon Ann Slitton since 1997, he is the proud father of three children and grandfather of four grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys line dancing, playing chess and learning languages.
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