About

Hugo Antonio Miranda is a Mexican American composer and pianist dedicated to crafting Neoclassical solo romantic calm piano music, releasing new music weekly on Spotify and all streaming platforms. With a deep passion for expressive, intimate piano compositions, his music invites listeners into a world of emotion and reflection.

Born in College Station, Texas, in 1996, he spent his childhood in a small town in Pennsylvania before moving to Mexico City with his family at age 9. At 19, he returned to the United States.

Music has been a part of Hugo’s life from an early age, thanks to his parents, both piano players, who introduced him to the instrument. Initially, formal lessons didn’t capture his interest. That changed at 14 when he stumbled upon a YouTube video of Mozart’s Turkish March. Determined to learn it, he quickly learned to read sheet music and play the piece. His parents, amazed by his ability to master such a challenging work with minimal training, encouraged him to apply to the National Conservatory of Music of Mexico. After being accepted, he studied piano there for several years under Alfredo Isaac Aguilar before moving to the United States, where he continued his piano studies with Clipper Erickson. While in Mexico, he also participated in master classes with Naoya Seino.

Composition became a passion the moment he started playing the piano at 14. Fascinated by how different combinations of notes and dynamics could evoke deep emotions, he quickly realized that composing was his true calling. From that point on, he dedicated himself to music, shaping his path as a composer.

His early works leaned toward Neoclassical and New Age styles, later incorporating classical influences as his appreciation for the genre deepened. During his university composition program, he was introduced to modernist and atonal approaches, often encouraged—if not pressured—to explore music that moved away from tonality. Though this style never fully resonated with him, he composed within it throughout his academic years to fulfill program expectations and earn his degrees.

Now, having completed his studies, Hugo has returned to his original artistic instincts, embracing the Neoclassical and New Age styles that first inspired him. However, exposure to various styles and techniques has broadened his perspective and refined his sense of intentionality in composition.

He holds a Master’s degree in music composition from Temple University and earned his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University. Throughout his studies, he studied with esteemed composers such as Robert Aldridge, Melissa Dunphy, Matthew Greenbaum, Jan Krzywicki, Erin Busch, William Dougherty, and Mark Zaki.

His compositions have garnered multiple awards, including 1st prize in the Caneres International Music Competition Vienna (2022) and recognition in competitions like the Golden Key International and National Piano Composition Competitions and the IBLA Grand Prize.

In addition to his musical pursuits, Hugo was recently diagnosed as autistic and has lived with depression and anxiety for many years. These experiences have deeply shaped his outlook and artistic voice. He is passionate about fostering greater acceptance and understanding of autistic individuals, and he hopes to challenge stigma through both his music and his personal journey.

For Hugo, music is more than just an art form—it has the power to change the world for the better. It fosters deep emotional connections and has the ability to heal, both emotionally and physically. While the reason music resonates with us isn’t fully understood, he sees it as something truly magical.

Beyond composing, he teaches piano at a music academy in New Jersey, fostering a compassionate and personalized approach to music education. Helping students use music as an outlet for self-expression and emotional well-being is an essential part of his mission.

Listen to Hugo’s latest releases on Spotify and all streaming platforms!