Desaraé Dee (BFA ’12) is a Canadian fusion artist, pianist, composer, producer, and educator whose work centres on instrumental and genre-blending music that explores emotion, spirituality, and storytelling. Like many alumni, Desaraé’s career path was not a straightforward one, and she credits York University as a key influence in becoming the successful, award-winning instrumentalist she is today.
“York felt expansive. It was full of people coming from different backgrounds and perspectives,” says Desaraé. “I was constantly learning, not just in the classroom, but through conversations, performances, and community. It was a time of growth where I was figuring out who I was as both a musician and a person.”
Desaraé was always drawn to the world of music. During her high school years, she spent countless hours in the music room while others gathered to listen to her. It was when she attended Professor Karen Burke’s class at York that she opened the door to the world of gospel music at an academic level, and found a space of belonging.
When reflecting on her journey, Desaraé notes that she was often the only Black girl in ensembles, and music became both her refuge and voice. One of the most important lessons she learned at York was to trust her own voice. Being surrounded by so many different approaches to art taught her that there isn’t just one “right” way to be an artist.
“York encouraged exploration and that helped me understand that my individuality wasn’t something to minimize, it was something to lean into, and to understand music not just as performance, but as culture and communication. Those skills became essential later when I began navigating the industry on my own and building systems outside traditional pathways.”
In 2022, Desaraé created #4ChordWorship, a worship series that blends gospel, jazz and fusion harmonies in a 4-chord progression format. The series went viral on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, amassing over 4.5 million views worldwide.
“Since 2023, I have been touring with a jazz and hip-hop collective called Super Duty Tough Work. I received the SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Award in 2022 from the SOCAN Foundation, became a GRAMMY Recording Academy voting member in 2024 and in 2025 I became a GRAMMY-considered artist with my 10-year anniversary debut instrumental fusion album, Adventure: The Album, marking a major milestone in my journey.”
Desaraé currently serves as a music director and music accompanist for the University of Toronto Faculty of Music Gospel Choir and is an occasional teacher with the Toronto District School Board. She also acts as a mentor with Women in Music Canada and the Marigold Music Program, as well as a GRAMMY U mentor for the 2025-2026 year, where she cultivates the careers of rising music industry professionals.
Desaraé’s music lives outside mainstream categories, making traditional industry access challenging and compelling her to build her own lane through digital platforms and direct audience engagement.
“The most challenging part has been navigating systems that weren’t designed with artists like me in mind. But those challenges have become one of my greatest strengths”, she explains.
As she continues building her career, Desaraé’s goal is not just personal success but systemic change, creating pathways and infrastructure for future artists.
“Owning the responsibility that comes with being a changemaker is meaningful because it reflects both where I’ve been and where I’m going. Trust your voice, be consistent and don’t rush your process,” says Desaraé. “You don’t have to fit into someone else’s definition of success. Stay curious and create your own opportunities if the door doesn’t open right away.”