He graduated from the University of Texas in 1910 and received his master's degree from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music in 1922.
[2] Morris toured extensively as a recitalist and soloist and his compositions were performed frequently during his lifetime.
He made his New York concert debut in recital in January 1921 at Aeolian Hall, with a program of Brahms, Busoni, Chopin, Godowsky, Cyril Scott and Charles T.
[4] Violinist Josef Stransky performed the work at Carnegie Hall with the Philadelphia Orchestra three months later.
From 1937 to 1963, Morris served variously as Vice President and Program Committee Chairman of the National Association of American Composers and Conductors.