Dessalines Ford

Applied Studies/Music Education/Music History

Dessalines Ford, an accomplished pianist, songwriter, arranger, and educator is a musician for all ages and cultures. Having had extensive classical piano training with prominent classical musicians such as Juanita Hurd, Cassandria Hanna, Peggy Irwin, and Rosalina Sackstein, Dessalines’ musical foundation was thoroughly cultivated. His interest in abstract harmonies and jazz keyboard harmonies also lead him to study with the late Sanford Gold. Dez, as he is affectionately known, attributes the essence of his musical success to his late grandmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Collie.

Dessalines is a graduate of the University of Miami’s School of Music where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Business, and a graduate of Nova Southeastern University where he earned a Master of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Arts. Presently, Dessalines is a music educator for the School Board of Broward County and is also pursuing a doctoral degree in Music Education from Boston University. He is married to Lisa R. Ford and is the father of three children Desmond, Nia and Shanna.