Harry’s musical mastery is a result of his formal training in music composition and classical guitar, his experience growing up as a blues/rock guitarist in the bayous of Louisiana, and his career as composer, performer, educator, and arts leader for over thirty years.

Harry pursued his first college career at Vanderbilt University, majoring in literature and art history.  But his passion for late-night jam sessions interfered with his studies and he wound up pursuing his musical dreams, earning a degree in composition from Berklee College of Music, and a Masters from New England Conservatory. 

He taught at Berklee for a several years, at Groton School, Milton Academy, then at the University of Massachusetts—Lowell for sixteen years.  Harry added institutional leadership to his repertoire by becoming the Executive Director of Indian Hill Music Center, the Director of MacPhail Center for Music, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Berklee, and finally serving as President of McNally Smith College of Music.

Back in the 80’s, when music synthesizers hit the scene, Harry filled his basement with sequencers, drum machines, keyboard synths, and multi-track recorders.  Harry collaborated with choreographer Sam Costa and composed numerous dance scores performed from New York to Minneapolis.  The high tech equipment also inspired Harry’s return to his roots, and he played lead guitar and sang with The Born Bluezers, along with Danny Klein, bassist with the J. Geils Band.

He also used high tech music equipment in his classical compositions, scoring numerous pieces for acoustic and electronic instruments, and pioneered their use for educational purposes.  Harry’s music has been performed by some of the leading artists of our time including the Muir String Quartet, Randall Hodgkinson, The Indian Hill Symphony Orchestra, and many more.

He recorded a CD of original songs, Sketches, and is hard at work on another collection of diverse tunes.  His new works reflect 40 years of professional experience in music and are a captivating blend of folk, blues, rock, and jazz.  His voice is distinctive, his guitar playing smooth, inventive, and highly skilled, and his lyrics are thoughtful and challenging.

President of McNally Smith College by day, Harry is still highly active as a singer and songwriter, often performing on campus and throughout the region.