Miguel Chuaqui is a Chilean-American composer and Professor at the University of Utah School of Music, where he serves as Chair of the Composition Area since 2009. Born in 1964 in Berkeley, California, and raised in Santiago, Chile, he holds a PhD in Composition from the University of California at Berkeley, with academic roots in both Mathematics and Music. Education: BA in Mathematics and Music (University of California-Berkeley, 1987), MA in Music (University of California-Berkeley, 1989), PhD in Music (University of California-Berkeley, 1994) Chuaqui's creative practice spans orchestral, chamber, vocal, and electroacoustic works, with performances across the U.S. and internationally by ensembles such as Speculum Musicae, Earplay, and the Society for Electro-Acoustic Music in the United States (SEAMUS). His research emphasizes collaborations in diverse areas, including interactive dance systems with Modern Dance and therapeutic musical applications with the School of Medicine. His compositions reflect an intersection of technology and traditional instruments, often incorporating live electronics and interactive elements. Recent compositions like La Búsqueda (2024), Inseparable (2024), and Encuentro Fugaz (2024) highlight his focus on chamber works and electroacoustic innovation. He has also demonstrated a sustained commitment to solo and ensemble works, integrating Latin American cultural motifs with contemporary techniques. Scientific and Musical Awards Award in Music from the American Academy of Arts and Letters Aaron Copland Recording Grant Eisner Prize Nicola de Lorenzo Award Society for Universal Sacred Music award Induction into the National Association of Composers of Chile President’s Award from SEAMUS (2008) 2024-2025 Big 12 Faculty Fellowship As an educator, Chuaqui has taught courses including Advanced Electronic Music Composition, Senior Composition, and PhD-level Composition at the University of Utah since 2024. He hosted the 2008 SEAMUS National Conference and serves as a NASM Visiting Evaluator, maintaining leadership roles in music education and composition pedagogy.












