Paul Hayden received his undergraduate degree in music composition from Louisiana State University and his graduate degrees (also in composition) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He studied composition with Ben Johnston, Salvatore Martirano, Thomas Fredrickson, James Drew, and Dinos Constantinides. Dr. Hayden has taught at Louisiana State University and at Eastern Illinois University.

Hayden’s music is published by Theodore Presser Co., Carl Fischer, Inc., and Magnolia Music Press. His music is recorded on the Centaur, Beauport Classical, Opus One, Mark, Avid, and WorldWinds record labels.

Hayden has received awards, grants, or recognition from ASCAP, the American Music Center, the Charles Ives Center for American Music, Delius National Composition Competition (grand prize winner for A Tre for solo flute), the National Flute Association’s Newly Published Music Competition (winner for A Tre and Grand Mamou for flute and piano), Truman State University/MACRO Society Composition Competition (grand prize winner for Filé), and the Virginia College Band Directors National Association (for Scintilla and Chalumeau, both for wind ensemble). His music has been performed in Europe, Russia, China, and throughout the United States.

Performances and Backstage

Paul and Gabriel Beavers after he premiered my bassoon concerto “Simple Serenades” at the University of Miami.

Speaking before Gabriel Beavers performs “Simple Serenades” at the University of Miami.

Paul with flutist Katherine Kemler and saxophonist Griffin Campbell after a performance of Janus at the National Flute Association convention.

Speaking before a performance of my Quintettino by the TVMF woodwind quintet.

Backstage with LSU Symphony Director Carlos Riazuelo and Griffin Campbell after a performance of my Saxophone Concerto.

With conductor Régulo Stabilito and flutist Maria Fernanda Castillo after a performance of my flute concerto “Short Stories”.

On stage with Shreveport Symphony Director Michael Butterman before a performance of In Plain Air.

On stage with Michael Butterman and the Frequent Flyers Aerial Ballet company.

Backstage with Michael Butterman and Katherine Kemler.

Paul outside of the small town of Mamou, LA in 1991.