- "As a river carries the whispers of ancient melodies, so too does my music weave the echoes of Persia into the soul of every note."
"I find beauty in languages and the art of communication, yet my voice is quiet. Instead of words, I let my music speak—where melodies express what language cannot, and every note carries the depth of what I feel."
" My music is a carpet woven from the classical forms, film music, Persian folk traditions, and the boundless possibilities of electronic sound. It is where history and innovation intertwine, where ancient echoes merge with modern pulses, creating a world of sound that tells my stories."
" My music is a carpet woven from the classical forms, film music, Persian folk traditions, and the boundless possibilities of electronic sound. It is where history and innovation intertwine, where ancient echoes merge with modern pulses, creating a world of sound that tells my stories."
Biography
- Hamed Erfani is a Persian composer, producer, and audio engineer whose work seamlessly fuses technical precision with cultural depth.
- He holds a Master of Music in Composition from Oklahoma City University, where he studied under Dr. Edward Knight.
- Drawing from his Persian heritage, Hamed has developed a distinctive musical voice that integrates traditional motifs with contemporary idioms and electronic elements, often evoking vivid imagery and emotional complexity.
- His diverse portfolio spans solo and chamber works, orchestral compositions, and original scores for film and media. Noted for their narrative richness, his compositions reflect a sophisticated blend of Persian musical traditions and modern compositional techniques. He currently serves as Composer-in-Residence with the Oklahoma Chamber Symphony and previously held the same position with the Oklahoma Youth Orchestras (OKYO) for the 2024–2025 season. He is also a member of the Composer Diversity Collective.
- His interdisciplinary collaborations include work with choreographers, filmmakers, dancers, lighting designers, and producers, exploring the dynamic intersections of sound, movement, and visual design.
- In addition to his compositional practice, Hamed is an accomplished audio engineer and producer, with extensive experience in recording, sound design, electroacoustic composition, and full-scale music production. His work spans classical, contemporary, and popular genres, with his electronic and pop productions available on major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
“Hamed Erfani belongs to those exceptional composers who combine a unique personal voice with versatility, passion and authenticity.
The emotional depth in all his works combined with intricate instrumentations make listening to and performing his compositions a unique and enriching experience.” “I personally feel honored to record Hamed Erfani’s “Everlasting” for solo cello for my next album, a work full of magic, expression and soul. "
Dr. Tess Remy-Schumacher
World Entertainment Award 2025 "Best Classical Album" Featured Soloist Grammy ® Winning Album Kitt Wakeley "Adoption Story" 2023”
Hamed is a joy and an inspiration.
His thirst for knowledge and uncommon talent in melding traditional Persian elements with Western styles -- combined with his artistic vision, tireless energy and collaborative nature -- are to be treasured.
Dr. Edward Knight
Composer-in-Residence
and Director of Music Composition at Oklahoma City University
“Hamed Erfani’s compositions are breathtaking tapestries, braiding Western and Middle Eastern influences to create colorful, profound, and deeply human works.
They strike an ideal balance of accessibility and challenge to both the listener and performer.
Despite the heights of his artistry, Hamed is a humble and generous person, inspiring to collaborate with every step of the way.”
Dr. Lisa Kachouee Associate Professor of Clarinet, Oklahoma City University Principal Clarinet, Enid Symphony Orchestra
"Hamed Erfani's unique voice permeates his soulful, sophisticated compositions.
A masterful composer, Erfani creates vibrant, engaging works for all instrument types and ensemble combinations.
Infused with musical elements from his native Iran, Erfani's innovative and forward-looking compositions are endlessly interesting, compelling, and earnest. I will continue to follow his compositional career with great interest and eager anticipation."
Dr. Melissa M. Plamann
Wanda L. Bass Chair of Organ Professor of Music
"Hamed Erfani is a rare and vital voice in today’s music world—equally gifted as a composer, producer, and collaborator.
We were honored to premiere his groundbreaking work for guitar ensemble, One Year Less a Day, which demonstrated not only his structural mastery but a deep emotional and cultural intelligence. Hamed brings clarity of vision, technical rigor, and a unique artistic voice to every project.
His contributions are already significant, and I believe his impact will only continue to grow.”
Matthew Denman
Associate Professor of Guitar, Oklahoma City University
Executive Director, Leyenda Foundation
"Hamed's music reaches deep into the heart of the listener and the musician.
I had the pleasure of performing his piece "Dawn of a Burnt City," and felt connected to it because of his use of color and texture, as well as developing tension throughout the entire work.
His writing for the double bass was particularly idiomatic and enjoyable to perform."
Tyler Shepherd
Assistant Professor of Double Bass Oklahoma City University
It was a privilege to work with Hamed as Composer-in-Residence for Oklahoma Youth Winds during the 2024-25 season.
His creativity, collaborative spirit, and thoughtful engagement with our students brought fresh energy to the ensemble and inspired meaningful music-making.
Kris Markes
OKYO Executive Director
“Hamed is a composer whose music lives both on the page and in the heart.
Seamlessly blending traditional Persian elements with contemporary styles, his work is evocative, deeply expressive, and unmistakably unique.
Collaborating with Hamed is always a joy—his creativity, clarity, and passion make every project feel inspired.”
Katie Crim
DMA in Orchestral Conducting, University of Wisconsin