Paul Dorsam

Dr. Paul James Dorsam (1941-2009) of Bayside, New York passed away on April 29, 2009. His life was dedicated to the study of music, composition and education. He lived life to the fullest and rarely missed an opportunity to engage with friends, family and colleagues.

He held Bachelor’s degrees in Trumpet and Music Education and a Master in Music Education Supervision from New England Conservatory of Music (Boston, MA), a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Boston University (Boston, MA) and a Professional Diploma in School Administration from City University of New York.

In addition to his work as an educator (K-12 – graduate school), he was active as a composer, scholar, conductor and trumpeter (Vermont and Richmond Symphonies). He was a member of the faculties of Lyndon State College, St. Michael’s College, Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond VA) and University of Mississippi at Hattiesburg, as well as the faculties of Tuckahoe High School (Tuckahoe, NY) and the United Nations School (NY, NY). He also was known to perform on the ‘Garden Hose’ and to have created delicious ice cream concoctions at his previously owned establishment Dorsam’s Homemade Ice Cream Parlor (Richmond Virginia).

Dorsam authored many articles on music theory and music education as well as the Dorsam Method (a teaching method for K-12). His compositions which include works for trumpet, cello, viola, oboe, flute, wind and brass ensembles, chorus, orchestra and string ensembles have been premiered in the United States, Australia, Canada, Europe and Japan. He was a member of International Trumpet Guild, Society for Music Theory, Music Educator’s National Conference, International Who’s Who in Music and College Music Society.

He is survived by spouse Pelin Uykal, children Poppea Dorsam, Glenn Dorsam and B’Tian Dorsam, brother Thomas Dorsam, and sister Florence (Dorsam) Popilizio, brother-in-law Rudolf Popilizio, sister-in-law Lou Dorsam, son-in-law Edward Dagnese, daughter-in-law Sheri Tinnell Dorsam, grandchildren Gavan and Kasandra Dagnese and Joshua and Ava Dorsam, in addition to many well loved nieces, nephews and important friends.

Any information or questions related to Dorsam’s compositions, articles or the Dorsam Method please direct to Poppea Dorsam at dorsam@pacbell.net.

Paul Dorsam