Mr. Dorsey

    Kevin Dorsey is in his 25th year at Seymour Dual Language Academy in the Syracuse City School District. During his career he has taught PreK-6 Classroom Music, Chorus, Guitar Ensemble and Ukulele Ensemble. He has presented at the NYSSMA Winter Conference, All-Eastern, and the Inspiration Showcase at the NAfME National Conference. Kevin builds his own instruments to help his students build their music literacy skills. Most notable is the Dorseymer, a one string instrument that is a cross between a dulcimer and a Diddley bow. In April 2020, Mr. Dorsey’s Music World, review video lessons for his students, appeared on “TV Classroom” on WCNY. Other stations picked it up, including Mississippi Public Broadcasting. During the 2020-2021 school year, he was the demonstration teacher for Music Grades 3-5, which were also shown on WCNY.     

   His music education began his hometown of Auburn, NY under the tutelage of Dr. Stephen Gage, Bill Tiberio, Bob Piorun, Kevin Ladd, Mark Anderson, and Keith Osborne. He holds a Masters of Music in Studio Jazz Writing from The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, and Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a Performers Certificate from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. He studied jazz composition with Gary Lindsay, Ron Miller and Bret Zvacek.    

   Kevin has released seven CDs as a leader, with “Gateway” and “A Collective Christmas” winning Syracuse Area Music Awards (SAMMYs) for Best Jazz Recording. He was a voting member of The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences for 20 years. His playing has also been heard on recordings by The Susquehanna String Band, The VanNorstrand Brothers, A Cast of Thousands, Donna Dennihy, Liz Strodel, The Intention, El Sabor, The Stan Colella Orchestra, and the University of Miami Symphony Orchestra.