Harris LIU Becker

Harris LIU Becker is an Adjunct Professor of Guitar and Director of Guitar Studies at Long Island University (LIU Post), within the School of Visual Arts, Communications and Digital Technologies. He is the founder and director of the Long Island Guitar Festival and co-founder and artistic director of the summer festival Songe d'été en Musique in Quebec, reflecting his deep commitment to performance, education, and community engagement in classical guitar.

His research and artistic interests focus on classical guitar performance, lute and baroque guitar, contemporary music, improvisation, and music pedagogy. Becker has premiered numerous works by living composers and maintains an active performance career across North America, Europe, Asia, and South America.

Though no formal list of publications is available, his recorded works and festival leadership demonstrate a consistent contribution to guitar artistry and education. His recordings include solo and ensemble projects such as Passing Through, Catgut Flambo, and reCollections, featuring premieres of works by John Lessard, Noel Zahler, and Michael Frassetti.

He has received recognition including an award for outstanding service from LIU's School of Visual and Performing Arts. Additional honors are reflected in critical acclaim from sources like Classical.net, Guitar Review, and Fanfare.

Becker has advised and mentored numerous students through masterclasses at institutions worldwide, including Mahidol University (Bangkok), Hanoi International School, and the British International School in Ho Chi Minh City. He has also led educational programs through the Long Island Guitar Festival and Songe d'été en Musique. His work is supported through festival programming and institutional affiliations rather than traditional research grants.

He is a member of the Artesian Guitar Quartet and the Becker/Lessard Guitar Duo, and his editions are published by T.D. Ellis Music Publishing and Calavar Music.