Ms. Mikayla Murphy

My name is Mikayla Murphy. I am blessed to serve as music, chorus, and band teacher for New Hope Elementary. I also enjoy conducting monthly grade-level performances and directing the all-school musical. This will be my 2nd year teaching at NHE. For two seasons, I served as a utility marching assistant for the Union Grove High School Marching Band. My hometown is McDonough, Georgia. I am a graduate of Clayton County Public Schools-Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts. Desiring to become a teacher, I went to Clayton State University and obtained a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. 

My passion for music developed just after elementary school when I joined the magnet fine arts program at M.D. Roberts Middle School. Having an artistic family, I was always surrounded by and encouraged to participate in music. Influenced by many of my family members who are musicians, I entered a band program and played the clarinet. Since my sister, mother, and grandmother were clarinet players, I thought I should carry on the family legacy. As time went on, I learned other instruments (saxophone, piano, trumpet, percussion, Ukelele, voice), became a composer for various musical ensembles, and decided to pursue higher education in music. Being an active musician of 12 years, I have had the opportunity to play/sing with various school and church-based ensembles, Griffin Choral Arts, Atlanta Music Project, Orchestra Noir, Southern Crescent Symphony Orchestra, and Peach State Opera. Recently, I have also started working as a clinician and freelance musician in the Atlanta area. 

Outside of teaching and making music, I enjoy spending time with my nephews/nieces, hanging out in Downtown McDonough with my dear friends, playing with my friends' dogs, reading, writing, swimming, traveling, and operating media for my church. I am a huge sports fan and enjoy cheering on the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks, and Georgia Bulldogs in-season. My favorite places to shop and eat include Tanger Outlets, JCPenney, Belk, Aldi, Publix, Chipotle, Starbucks, Dunkin', Moe's Southwest Grill, and just about any Mexican Restaurant. 

I look forward to working with your children. Together, we will have a wonderful year. Please reach out to me with questions, concerns, or needs anytime!