Sergio Lopez Figueroa

I’m Sergio López-Figueroa, a composer, pianist, and social innovator whose journey has been shaped by a passion for creativity, connection, and purpose. 

My ACN profile page and interview with Mark Walmsley is here.

My career began as a classical pianist and composer, studying in Italy and earning advanced qualifications in film music from the National Film and Television School (UK) and Bournemouth University. These foundations in the arts paved the way for a career that bridges music, mental health, and social innovation.

Early on, I gained international recognition for composing live scores for silent films, including Un Chien Andalou, which won awards and was performed at renowned venues such as the Berlin Film Festival and Tate Modern. However, as my career evolved, I began to focus on music’s potential to foster healing and emotional connection, transforming my artistry into a platform for social engagement.

In 2008, I received the European MEDEA Award for using audiovisual media to preserve historical memory and enhance education. My subsequent collaboration with the British Council in India introduced music and film to socially excluded children in Delhi, and I’ve shared insights from these experiences at international conferences. As a cancer survivor, my personal journey has deepened my commitment to supporting others, particularly through music’s capacity to nurture resilience and well-being.

I developed Polyhum, a methodology that combines polyphonic humming with creative mindfulness, in 2016. This initiative promotes empathy, emotional connection, and healing, and has been applied in settings ranging from work with autistic children to community groups facing stress and isolation. More recently, I launched Polyhum Canarias, a project funded by the Canary Islands Government to support cancer patients, survivors, and their families through musical collaboration.

In addition to my work with Polyhum, I teach piano at the Professional Conservatory of Music in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and continue to develop global courses on emotional self-care for artists. My practice as a mental health facilitator and my commitment to participatory approaches extend beyond music, encompassing projects that engage diverse communities in creative and empowering ways.

I believe in the transformative power of music to foster connection, resilience, and healing. Whether through performance, teaching, or social innovation, I remain passionate about creating opportunities for individuals and communities to discover their potential and embrace the joy of co-creation.