Belwood teen named ‘Most Promising Musician’

BELWOOD – Teen musician Josh Dorie was recently awarded the 2026 Most Promising Musician award by the Orangeville and District Music Festival (ODMF).

The ODMF is an annual, non-competitive celebration that welcomes musicians of all ages, instruments, genres and skill levels to perform and share their musical passions with live audiences. 

The event focuses on performance development and live adjudication and is held late April. A gala concert on May 11 recognized the musicians.

Dorie, who has been playing music since he was a toddler, credits his grandfather for his start.

“I think it starts with my Papa, when I was really young, he had a drum set, and I’d always go over and ask to play, and he’d play for me, and then we’d be drumming right before bed,” said Dorie.

The 14-year-old musician received this year’s award for his piano playing skills. But piano is not the only instrument in his repertoire, as he often plays the drums, trumpet and ukulele. 

“It’s been quite a ride watching him grow up,” said Dorie’s music instructor Karen Aitken. “He’s been a delight to teach.”

Aitken is the director of Performance Studios in Fergus and has been working with Dorie since he was just three years old.

“Josh has stuck with this, you know, [from] being a young boy, and then [he]really became more serious as he went on,” she said.

“I think it’s motivating for other people to see that you can just keep it going if you want to.”

Dorie’s mother Natalie praised his dedication and hard work.

“I was really proud of him. He put a lot of work into getting that award, and I think he is very deserving,” said Natalie.

“Lots of hours and time and dedication.” 

Dorie told the Advertiser he had always looked up to  the musicians who won the award in the past and he did not expect to receive the award this year.

Outside of performing, Dorie enjoys fishing, sports and has recently taken on a teaching role at Performance Studios, teaching younger musicians how to play the piano.

“I like to see how my students started at the start when they had no piano training,” said Dorie. “And then to now, it’s really cool to see how they’ve improved.”

Dorie played an impromptu song during the interview entirely from memory, something both Natalie and Aitken say he is extremely good at.

“And that’s something else Josh has, he has a very large repertoire. Like he could probably sit here for an hour and play songs,” said Aitken.

“He can memorize pieces, he feels the music more,” said Natalie. “He’s really coming along and I’ve definitely seen him grow musically.”

Dorie says music will be part of his life forever, whether that’s teaching students part-time or performing on the stage himself.

“I think I definitely want to do like concerts. I’m not sure if I want like my full-time job to be music, but I definitely want to keep doing it forever,” he said.

“I want to continue, I want to do more levels, and then just kind of keep going and playing for people.”