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Hayes Biggs is a Professor of Composition at Manhattan School of Music, where he has been a faculty member since 1992, teaching Senior Form and Analysis as well as Theory & Aural Skills. A distinguished composer with works performed internationally, Biggs holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition from Columbia University, a Master of Music degree from Southern Methodist University, and a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance from Rhodes College.
His research interests span contemporary classical composition with particular focus on choral music, liturgical works, and innovative fusions of classical and popular idioms. Biggs has developed a distinctive compositional voice that bridges medieval musical traditions with modern harmonic language, often incorporating subtle jazz and rock elements within classical frameworks. His works frequently explore religious and poetic texts while maintaining contemporary relevance through innovative structural approaches and textural complexity.
Biggs' publications reveal a consistent exploration of choral and chamber music forms, with recent works demonstrating increasing integration of rock instrumentation within classical contexts. His compositional output shows both technical mastery and emotional depth, with critics noting his ability to balance modern dissonance with lyrical expressiveness. The recurring themes in his work include liturgical texts, poetic settings, and explorations of musical memory and quotation.
- John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship
- Residency at Copland House
- Fellowships at Tanglewood Music Center, MacDowell Colony, Yaddo, and other prestigious artist colonies
As an educator, Biggs has mentored numerous students at Manhattan School of Music while maintaining an active performance career as a professional choral singer in New York City. His professional activities include significant editorial work as Associate Editor at C. F. Peters Corporation from 1991-2001, membership in BMI, and numerous commissions from major organizations including the Fromm Music Foundation and American Composers Forum. Biggs continues to be an active member of the New York musical community through performances with ensembles like C4 (The Choral Composer/Conductor Collective).
