Harry Li

Biography

Harry Li is a Chinese Canadian pianist, educator, and arranger whose mission is to make music more relatable and accessible to all. Passionate about expanding the concert repertoire, Harry is a strong advocate for evolving genres, including video game music and piano transcriptions. His creative approach involves arranging music for various formats, from piano solo to small ensembles. He has also performed transcribed works, such as Ravel's String Quartet in F Major and "Driven by the Stars" from Monster Hunter: World, in his concerts. Harry is excited by the opportunity to incorporate more audience-favorite pieces into his future performances, bridging the gap between classical and contemporary music for diverse audiences.

As an experienced educator, Harry is dedicated to fostering a comprehensive view of piano playing, drawing inspiration from conductors, composers, and often other instrumentalists. He helps his students decipher the messages beyond the notes and equips them with the knowledge to make informed decisions on their own. Harry also emphasizes the connection between physical movements and sound in his teaching, guiding students step by step to achieve the desired effect with the most intuitive solutions.

Harry holds a Master of Music and Graduate Performance Diploma from Longy School of Music of Bard College, and is a Steinway educational partner. He will be performing at Carnegie-Weill Hall and Cary Hall in summer 2025, and has performed domestically and internationally in venues such as the Edward M. Pickman Concert Hall (Cambridge, MA), M. Steinert & Sons (Newton, MA), Teatro Filo (Cremona, Italy), and Arlington Street Church (Boston, MA). Harry has co-organized the MMTA Bay State Piano Competition from 2023 onward, and has frequently attended conferences such as the RCM teacher’s summit and MTNA National Conference, continuously gathering new ideas and networking within the music community.

Teaching Philosophy

As a teacher, my goal is to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of music through the piano. The piano is a remarkable instrument with boundless potential, yet it exists within the larger world of music—and that world, in turn, reflects the ever-changing complexity and marvel of our reality. Beyond teaching students how to play the piano, I strive to connect them with the history, logic, and broader context behind each piece. I encourage my students to draw inspiration from other instruments, disciplines, and professions, while also nurturing skills like problem-solving, discipline, and both critical and creative thinking. Through piano study, my hope is to empower students with the tools to become curious and self-sufficient learners—not just in music, but in all aspects of life.

In my lessons, I prioritize conversation and active problem-solving. Together with my students, we take pieces apart, exploring the mechanics behind each phrase as if reverse-engineering the composer’s thought process. I draw from the practices of composers, instrumentalists, and vocalists alike to help students interpret music in nuanced and informed ways. At the same time, I pay close attention to the physical experience of playing—mapping hand choreography, selecting effective fingerings, and finding healthy, tension-free approaches to technical challenges.

Creativity is irreplaceable to my teaching. I guide students in developing the knowledge and technique to improvise and compose. I believe that true understanding of musical decisions comes from making them firsthand. While classical repertoire is essential in any piano teaching, I also embrace genres such as pop, film, video game music, and works by underrepresented composers and cultures. These forms keep music vibrant and relevant in today’s musical landscape, and I encourage students to engage with the music they love on their own terms.

If you’re looking for lessons that are student-centered, exploratory, and rooted in curiosity, I invite you to join me on a unique and enriching musical journey.

Education:

Longy School of Music: Boston, Massachusetts

Masters of Music

Longy School of Music: Boston, Massachusetts

Graduate Performance Diploma