WSU graduate student Brendan McMurphy was featured in the fall issue of Jazziz Magazine for his musical composition.

McMurphy came to WSU as an undergraduate majoring in jazz studies. He was a student of trumpet professor David Turnbull and Greg Yasinitsky, the coordinator of jazz studies .

“After he graduated, we were in need of a TA,” Turnbull said. “He was the first person I thought of.” McMurphy completed his master’s degree in jazz studies while working as a TA for the university.

Yasinitsky said McMurphy’s feature in the magazine is good visibility because WSU has an excellent School of Music.

Jazziz Magazine used to be geared more toward university students, but now they attract more of a professional audience, Turnbull said.

“Every year, the magazine would come out with an educational issue,” Yasinitsky said. “It wasn’t uncommon for WSU students to be featured in it.” Because they have discontinued the education edition, and moved toward a more professional audience, McMurphy’s feature in Jazziz is considered to be a great honor, Turnbull said. He also said the feature has motivated McMurphy.

“When they got ahold of Brendan’s piece, they recognized it on a professional level,” Turnbull said. “Being featured in the article is opening up doors for McMurphy.”