Today we’d like to introduce you to Hayden Miller.
Hi Hayden, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Hayden Miller and I am a drummer, composer, and bandleader from Miramar, Florida. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida and received my master’s degree in Jazz Performance at New York University. Throughout my academic tenure, I have been mentored by drummers such as Clarence Penn, Ari Hoenig, Jason Marsalis, and Billy Drummond.
At the age of 8, I began taking piano lessons and by the age of 11, I started to take drum set lessons and immediately grew a strong passion for music. I played in the middle school jazz band and played at different festivals and other events throughout my early years. I also did band in high school as well as marching band and jazz band. This bolstered my passion even more and led me to be accepted for the Florida All State Jazz Band my senior year of high school.
Going into my undergraduate studies at UCF, I really focused more heavily on writing. I took composition classes at UCF with Per Danielsson, who really was a profound teacher. I also had the honor to study under the great, Clarence Penn for two years. Penn has been my greatest inspiration and continues to be a fantastic mentor to me in all of my musical endeavors.
My compositions are inspired by great jazz influences such as John Coltrane, Chick Corea, Harold Mabern, Lyle Mays, and McCoy Tyner.
Now based in New York City, I continue to develop my creative expression through performing with both my own group and as a sideman. I recently just released my debut album, Hourglass, which is a compilation of my most recent work.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I definitely wouldn’t say it has been a smooth road, however there has been many exciting points along the way. As a drummer in New York City, every gig is a chance to grow, but it also comes with a great deal of competition. Being in the music industry, especially with gigs or just networking, there is a great deal of late nights and early mornings, and at times, balancing my passion with financial stability has definitely been an obstacle. Any time there is some sort of obstacle to push past, I realize that the reason I am in music is because it is what I love and is what I am truly passionate about and that will always push me to keep giving it my all. If I truly love it and work hard every day at it, the money will come, as with any line of work. Hard work will always outlast talent because talent without the work will never be noticed.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a drummer, composer, producer, and bandleader in New York City. I specialize in Jazz, however I am well versed in a variety of other styles of music. I love to write and have recorded a plethora of my own compositions. I just released a project titled “Hourglass” on all streaming platforms that has all of my original music. I am very proud of this project because it is a collection of most of my favorite pieces that I have written throughout my collegiate tenure.
I feel what sets me apart from others is that I am not afraid to be me, in not just my compositions, but the way I play. When I perform, I want to have my own sound that is recognizable to me and I feel that continued years of deep study and practicing will only benefit that goal.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
When it comes to success, many people tend to feel that it revolves around money, however, I see it in a different perspective. If you are always chasing money specifically, you will never be happy. I believe success is where you as an individual feel like you have accomplished your main goal in life, whether that in your job, your family, etc.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://haydenmillermusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haydenmillermusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@haydenmillerdrums
