Dexter Doris is a New York based violinist whose artistic development reflects both early distinction and continued refinement at leading institutions.
Early musical foundations
He began studying the violin at the age of four with Helena Baille and Sally Thomas. At twelve, he made his orchestral debut with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, performing Vieuxtemps’s Violin Concerto No. 4. He was subsequently admitted to the Juilliard Pre College Division, where he studied with Dr. Ann Setzer.
During his time at Juilliard Pre College, Doris appeared as soloist with ensembles including the Sound Symphony of Long Island and the Massapequa Philharmonic, performing concertos by Saint Saëns and Mozart. He also held leadership roles within the Pre College Orchestra, serving as concertmaster and principal second violin.
AYA Artists
Dexter Doris
violinistOn stage and in residence
Doris is a National YoungArts winner and was featured as a guest artist on NPR’s From the Top. His performances have taken place at venues including Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Peter Jay Sharp Theatre, and the Temple of Dendur at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
He has participated in masterclasses with artists such as Midori Goto, Lara St. John, and Maxim Vengerov. In 2025, he was a fellow at the Colorado College Summer Music Festival, where he performed Barber’s Violin Concerto with the festival orchestra.
Most recently, Doris took part in a residency at the Frost School of Music with his string quartet, performing Thomas Sleeper’s String Quartet No. 2. He also engages in historically informed chamber music practice, including repertoire performed on 19th century fortepiano with Dr. Audry Axinn.
Continued study
Doris is currently a student at The Juilliard School, where he studies with Laurie Smukler.
With AYA
Performances, stories and creative collaborations.
