Hi, my name is Hugo Antonio Miranda, I’m a Mexican-American composer and pianist based in New Jersey. Through my music I strive to embody emotion, empathy, and human connection. I compose music ranging from intimate contemporary romantic piano pieces to larger sweeping orchestral soundscapes. Whatever I am writing, I always pull from a deeply personal source and use that to inform the style of the narrative and degree of expressiveness in my work.

My musical world was shaped by my mom and dad’s deep love and passion for music. They are both pianists in their own right, and I followed in their footsteps when I attended the same Conservatory of Music that they had when they were young. My mom playing the music of Richard Clayderman at home as well as beautiful pieces written by Paul de Senneville, inspired a lifelong love for lyrical, singable piano writing. My dad would play virtuosic pieces by Chopin, Beethoven and Bach which instilled in me love for technical mastery. Over time, that foundation grew alongside my admiration for composers like John Williams, Hans Zimmer, John Barry, Yiruma, Ludovico Einaudi. I am excited about music where the melody leads the way, and every note carries a real sense of feeling and purpose.

I’ve always found comfort in music during tough times in my life. Sentimental and lyrical music that communicated directly to my heart provided me with the most profound and beautiful sanctuary when the world felt like it was too much. Soon I realized that I also wanted to express what my heart felt, and so began my deep passion for composition.

My passion for composition is deeply entwined with my experiences with mental health. Having navigated my own struggles with depression and anxiety, I understand firsthand how debilitating mental hardships have the potential to be. That lived experience fuels my deep desire to support and uplift others who are fighting similar battles. In many ways, crafting calm, reflective, and inspirational music is my way of extending that hand, translating empathy into sound to offer a quiet sanctuary for anyone who needs it. My way of giving music to others the same way music had been given to me.

Throughout my life I’ve moved around quite a lot, I began life in College Station Texas, moving back and forth between Mexico City and the U.S. before relocating to rural Pennsylvania for the majority of my childhood. As I entered into my pre-adolescence my family relocated again to Mexico City.

My music loving parents introduced me to piano at an early age, but I was not enthused with the experience at the time and my parents did not push me, which I am grateful for. It wasn’t until I was 14 that I began to independently seek formal piano lessons from my parents. Once it was clear to them that I was hungry for more musical knowledge and experience they enrolled me in the National Conservatory of Music of Mexico.

In my early twenties we relocated to New Jersey, where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Music Composition from Rutgers University and then subsequently my Master’s Degree in Music Composition from Temple University.

I have released multiple albums of original solo piano music. I have also spent time teaching piano to students of all ages, an experience that taught me patience and empathy, which naturally find their way into my music.

More than anything, I hope my music can be a safe space for anyone who needs it.

Recognition:
Featured in theMeet the Artist series.