Conversations with Semaj Murphy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Semaj Murphy.

Hi Semaj, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started playing the violin in elementary school, around the fourth grade. My school had a music program that put on assembly performances, and I was always especially drawn to the string instruments—violins in particular. I completely fell in love with the violin and would practice day and night, driven by the love and obsession I had for it. We even took field trips to see the Philadelphia Orchestra, and I vividly remember hearing Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony live for the first time. That moment changed something in me, even though no one in my family played an instrument or had a background in classical music.

At the same time, my musical world at home sounded very different. I grew up immersed in gospel, R&B, and hip-hop—music that lived in church, family gatherings, and everyday life. Those sounds shaped my sense of rhythm, phrasing, and emotional storytelling long before I had the language to articulate it. Even as I began formal classical training, those influences stayed with me, quietly informing how I listened, played, and understood music.

My sister and I eventually begged our mom to let us join the music program, and we came home with instruments. Ironically, my teacher first placed me on the cello because there were no violins left. I started learning cello, but I kept sneaking time on my sister’s violin whenever I could. Eventually, I asked my teacher if I could play both—and for a while, I did.

My teacher then recommended that I attend Settlement Music School, one of Philadelphia’s most historic music institutions. At Settlement, things took off. I officially focused on violin, joined youth orchestras, talent development programs, and summer festivals. I studied with Booker Rowe, the first Black musician to perform with the Philadelphia Orchestra, breaking racial barriers in a major American orchestra, and with Amy Oshiro-Morales. Learning from mentors who embodied both musical excellence and historical significance deeply shaped my perspective—not just as a violinist, but as an artist.
In high school, I became concertmaster of the All-City High School Orchestra, led by Joseph Conyers, another key mentor. That experience solidified my love for musical leadership and collaboration.
For college, I attended the USC Thornton School of Music, earning my Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance with a minor in music industry. I studied with Lina Bahn and was deeply inspired by Seth Parker Woods. USC was a catalyst for my growth: I collaborated across disciplines, worked with artists from different creative worlds, and learned how to carry myself as a professional. During this time, I also taught, mentored, and served as a Violin Teaching Artist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s YOLA programs, blending performance, education, and community engagement. It was during this period that I began intentionally shaping my career beyond traditional pathways, choosing projects that aligned with my values, curiosity, and sense of responsibility to the communities I serve.
Today, I’m an interdisciplinary artist and cultural curator, using music as architecture for storytelling. My work draws equally from the classical tradition, as well as from R&B, hip-hop, and gospel influences that shaped me from the beginning. At this stage in my career, I’m focused on building work that lives across performance, education, and cultural production—projects that are as socially resonant as they are artistically rigorous. I’ve collaborated with many artists including John Legend, Beyoncé, Mariah the Scientist, and Metro Boomin, working as a session musician for film and TV, live performer, and interdisciplinary artist. Across every project, my goal remains the same: to create meaningful cultural experiences where music connects people, honors identity, and invites everyone into the story.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. As an artist, I’ve grappled with feeling like I didn’t fit into any box. Growing up, I often felt misunderstood. Over time, I’ve come to realize that those differences, my queerness, my identity as a Black classical musician, and my interdisciplinary nature are what propel me. I’ve embraced that I’m layered, and my authenticity is what drives me forward. I’ve learned that Semaj doesn’t work unless I’m fully myself. In college, another challenge was navigating a classical program rooted in strict Eurocentric traditions. I was often the only Black violinist, feeling both imposter syndrome and the need to disrupt. But I’ve learned it’s my role to show that everyone belongs—everyone has a seat at the table. This perspective now shapes how I lead, collaborate, and create, centering inclusivity and intention in every space I enter.
I’ve recognized that when you are fully yourself, you inspire others to be who they are, too. I’ve learned to own every layer…and that’s how I keep going.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work at the intersection of music performance, education, and cultural curation. I specialize in blending classical music with other genres…whether performing live, recording as a session musician, or collaborating across disciplines. I also compose, arrange, and creatively direct projects. One day, I might perform with an orchestra; another day, with artists like Beyoncé or Imagine Dragons; and on another day, I might be modeling for a campaign.

I’m most proud of using music as a storytelling tool—creating cultural spaces where people feel seen, reflected, and connected. What sets me apart is my eclectic, boundary-crossing nature. I bridge worlds, lead with intention, and stay grounded in authenticity, hoping to inspire others to do the same.

As I look ahead, I’m driven by the idea of reimagining how interdisciplinary artists, rooted in both tradition and innovation, can shape cultural spaces. I want my work to encourage future artists to embrace every layer of their identity and move through the world with confidence. Whether through performance, education, or curation, my goal is to build environments that empower people both onstage and behind the scenes.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The key qualities for my success are adaptability and innovative thinking. I thrive on switching between roles—one day performing classical, another collaborating in pop, or even leading creative direction. I’m always pushing boundaries, moving the needle, and reimagining what a classical artist can be. But I’m also grounded and intuitive—I trust my internal compass. I choose projects that move me, align with my values, and resonate with my inner world. That balance, flexibility, innovation, and staying true to myself keeps me growing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.semajmurphy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesemajm
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/semaj-murphy-92640b157

Image Credits
Photo Credits Cover Photo: @tristan_bnhm 2nd Photo: @cancerblake 3rd Photo: @tanishqpokhriyal, @morganwlms, @shristi_.jain 4th Photo: Parkwood Entertainment 8th Photo: @jurassic.jazz