Erik Leung

Erik Kar Jun Leung, is a GRAMMY-nominated music educator and serves as Assistant Professor of Teaching and Director of Bands at Oregon State University. In this role, he conducts the Wind Ensemble and Chamber Winds, teaches conducting, and oversees all aspects of OSU’s band program.

Under his direction, the Oregon State University Wind Ensemble has been invited to numerous prestigious events and conferences, including the Western International Band Clinic, the Northwestern National Association for Music Education Conference (NAfME), the Western/Northwestern College Band Directors National Association Conference (CBDNA), and the Oregon Music Educators Conference. In 2024, the ensemble was selected as a finalist for the American Prize in Music’s Wind Band Division. In 2026, the Oregon State University Wind Ensemble was a featured performing ensemble at the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) Conference in Rio de Janeiro.

Leung earned his DMA in Wind Conducting from Northwestern University, along with degrees from the University of Toronto (M.Mus) and the University of Calgary (B.Mus with distinction, B.Ed). His mentors include Mallory Thompson, Gillian Mackay, and Glenn Price. 

A passionate advocate for social justice, diversity, equity, and belonging, Leung integrates these principles into his work as a teacher, conductor, and researcher. He is dedicated to amplifying the voices of composers from underrepresented communities, a commitment that led to his first book, The Horizon Leans Forward: Stories of Courage, Strength, and Triumph of Underrepresented Communities in the Wind Band Field, published by GIA Music Publications. The follow-up, The Hill We Climb: LGBTQ+, Band, and Belonging, was published in 2025, also through GIA Music.

He has presented at numerous conferences across North America, South America, and Europe, including the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, the national College Band Directors National Association Convention, the American School Band Directors National Association conference, and the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles.