Flight Lieutenant Richard Murray BMus(Hons) LRSM LLCM RAF

Flight Lieutenant Richard Murray began playing the flute and piano from an early age under the guidance of the music staff at Downshire School, Carrickfergus and Colin Irvine at Belfast High School. Walking in the footsteps of the Irish flute tradition he was soon studying music at the University of Ulster, graduating with honours in 1997. During this time Richard was awarded a Scholarship from the Arts Council for N.Ireland, which he used to attend Ulster Youth Orchestra courses, master classes with Sir James Galway and lessons with Colin Fleming of the Ulster Orchestra.

Richard joined Royal Air Force Music Services in November 1997 and served briefly with the Western Band of the Royal Air Force at RAF Locking. Prior to his posting as Principal Flautist with the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment at RAF Cranwell in 1999, Richard was awarded the Cassel Silver Medal by The Worshipful Company of Musicians. While at Cranwell Richard continued his musical studies gaining Licentiateships in Performance and Conducting from the London College and Royal Schools of Music and for his efforts was awarded another Silver Medal from the Worshipful Company of Musicians on completion of the Bandmaster Course in 2006. On promotion to Sergeant in 2008, Richard was posted to The Central Band of the RAF.

As a flautist Richard has travelled, performed and recorded throughout the UK and worldwide, from the desert sands of Saudi Arabia and Basrah, Iraq to the live TV Studios of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the BBC. In addition to his service commitments, he can regularly be seen performing and conducting with the Lincolnshire Philharmonia and the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra.

In his free time Richard enjoys cycling, windsurfing, racquet sports and hiking.

Richard received his Commission and was awarded the MacRoberts Prize on completion of Initial Officer Training Course No.17 at RAF College Cranwell in February 2010. Flight Lieutenant Murray was then appointed Director of Music to The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment and joined The Central Band of The Royal Air Force as Director of Music in January 2012.