"The EDGE. I would say 'on the edge' but Dorian Wallace is the edge. an autodidact, he writes from his soul, and splatters contemporary issues so that they get all over your shoes."
-- John Sanborn, media artist
Artistic Statement
My artistic practice centers on creating music within and for the community. Since the Paleolithic era, music has been a fundamental force in human evolution, shaping our experiences and connecting us through sound. I compose to promote positive social change, foster healing, peace and unity, using music as a way to bring people together and create a harmonious world.
My artistic practice centers on creating music within and for the community. Since the Paleolithic era, music has been a fundamental force in human evolution, shaping our experiences and connecting us through sound. I compose to promote positive social change, foster healing, peace and unity, using music as a way to bring people together and create a harmonious world.
Live at Omaha Under the Radar 2022. Photo by Ben Semisch.
Dorian Wallace is an innovative composer, pianist, and board-certified music therapist deeply committed to harnessing music's healing qualities within therapeutic work and political action. His work seamlessly integrates contemporary classical composition, spontaneous improvisation, and therapeutic practice, creating a unique voice that blends elements of classical music, jazz, and avant-garde improvisation.
Dorian's compositions often explore complex sociopolitical, emotional, and psychological landscapes. His collaborations with artists like Paul Pinto, Pamela Z, Bonita Oliver, and John Sanborn reflect his commitment to pushing the boundaries of musical expression. His music challenges conventional limitations, embracing dissonance, melodic romanticism, rhythmic complexity, and intricate textures to create works that are both philosophically stimulating and emotionally resonant.
In addition to his work as a composer and music therapist, Dorian is one of New York City's most in-demand dance accompanists, working extensively with contemporary ballet and modern dance of all styles. He brings his improvisational expertise to the dance world, collaborating with dance makers to create dynamic, responsive soundscapes that complement the movement on stage. He also teaches Music for Dancers 1 and 2 at the Martha Graham School, where he supports dancers to deepen their understanding of musicality and collaboration.
As a board-certified music therapist, Dorian has worked extensively in recovery settings, particularly around trauma, grief, and violence-impacted communities, focusing on a wide range of populations that include incarcerated communities, survivors of hate groups, cults, and other insular groups, and hospice and palliative care patients. Through focused music listening, music making, and lyric analysis, he helps participants reframe their relationship with music, using it as a tool for processing, recovery, and empowerment. His therapeutic work is particularly notable for its emphasis on hip-hop and free improvisation, which he uses to connect with clients on a deep, personal level, providing a creative and supportive environment for exploring identity, processing trauma, and building resilience.
Dorian Wallace is a dedicated advocate for the transformative qualities within music for social change. He collaborates with a diverse range of artists, activists, and community organizations to develop projects that address social justice issues through the lens of music. His work often intersects with themes of marginalization, resilience, and community empowerment, reflecting his unwavering belief in music's ability to inspire and transform.
Dorian's compositions often explore complex sociopolitical, emotional, and psychological landscapes. His collaborations with artists like Paul Pinto, Pamela Z, Bonita Oliver, and John Sanborn reflect his commitment to pushing the boundaries of musical expression. His music challenges conventional limitations, embracing dissonance, melodic romanticism, rhythmic complexity, and intricate textures to create works that are both philosophically stimulating and emotionally resonant.
In addition to his work as a composer and music therapist, Dorian is one of New York City's most in-demand dance accompanists, working extensively with contemporary ballet and modern dance of all styles. He brings his improvisational expertise to the dance world, collaborating with dance makers to create dynamic, responsive soundscapes that complement the movement on stage. He also teaches Music for Dancers 1 and 2 at the Martha Graham School, where he supports dancers to deepen their understanding of musicality and collaboration.
As a board-certified music therapist, Dorian has worked extensively in recovery settings, particularly around trauma, grief, and violence-impacted communities, focusing on a wide range of populations that include incarcerated communities, survivors of hate groups, cults, and other insular groups, and hospice and palliative care patients. Through focused music listening, music making, and lyric analysis, he helps participants reframe their relationship with music, using it as a tool for processing, recovery, and empowerment. His therapeutic work is particularly notable for its emphasis on hip-hop and free improvisation, which he uses to connect with clients on a deep, personal level, providing a creative and supportive environment for exploring identity, processing trauma, and building resilience.
Dorian Wallace is a dedicated advocate for the transformative qualities within music for social change. He collaborates with a diverse range of artists, activists, and community organizations to develop projects that address social justice issues through the lens of music. His work often intersects with themes of marginalization, resilience, and community empowerment, reflecting his unwavering belief in music's ability to inspire and transform.
