DIME students are encouraged to develop their skills in all areas, and after graduating, they have proved themselves not only to Detroit’s music industry, but also nationally. The music industry is actively looking at DIME for their next team members, artists, bands and songwriters.
This is because DIME graduates are:
Entrepreneurial
Entrepreneurial self-starters who have vision for their own careers and know how to use their developed skills and talent to create their own opportunities.Lifelong Learners
Lifelong learners who have a deep curiosity about the world around them, constantly seeking new information and skills, long after their graduation from DIME.Professionals
Professionals at all times. They are disciplined, self-motivated and skilled at time management. They communicate effectively and clearly to get the job done.Creative
Creative and thoughtful artist/entrepreneurs who push boundaries and are unafraid to be themselves. They set trends with original ideas.Innovative
Innovative thinkers who develop their unique voice by challenging established ideas.Critically Engaged
Critically engaged individuals who understand how their art connects with culture, history and politics. They have the ability to question the world around them.DIME Detroit's Featured Alumni
We are so proud of all of our graduates for their hard work and achievements here at DIME, and for the work that they continue to do in the musical communities in Detroit and around the US. Below, you can view a selection of recent graduates and what they are up to now.
KIARA JACKSON: BA Music Entrepreneurship (Class of 2017)
Class of 2017 Valedictorian, Kiara Jackson, proves that hard work pays off! During her graduation ceremony, she announced she was relocating to New York to join Republic Records – a division of Universal Music Group, the world's leading music company. She had accepted full-time employment in the Urban Promotions. Republic Records is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists such as Ariana Grande, Black Sabbath, DNCE, Florence + the Machine, Gotye, Hailee Steinfeld, James Blake, James Bay, John Mellencamp, Keith Richards, Nickelback, Of Monsters and Men, Seth MacFarlane, and The Weeknd, among many others. We are so happy to see Kiara's successful career unfold, and look forward to welcoming her back to DIME Detroit as a masterclass speaker in the near future!
JIMMY SHOWERS: BA Creative Music Performance – Guitar (Class of 2017)
After graduation, Jimmy got a spot touring the US with solo artist, Uncle Kracker. Jimmy was initially employed as a Guitar Technician, but was quickly promoted to Stage Technician and then Stage Manager, overseeing all aspects of getting the show ready each night. He then became the touring guitarist, performing live in over 30 states in the US, as well as shows in Canada. Jimmy is also performing with fellow graduate, Ali Wiercioch, in their acoustic singer/songwriter project, Jackamo. Make sure to catch their next show! Read more about Jimmy’s post-DIME experiences HERE.
ANGELO COPPOLA: BA Music Entrepreneurship (Class of 2018)
Our 2018 co-valedictorian, Angelo Coppola, is a busy guy! He regularly performs with his rock band ‘The Lows’, including recent support slots with Puddle of Mudd and Candlebox. The Detroit Metro Times recently named Angelo Best Musical Artist of 2019, and was also nominated for Outstanding Rock/Pop Vocalist and Outstanding Rock/Pop Songwriter at the 2019 Detroit Music Awards. He works with Detroit-based sync company, North Star Media, and also works part-time for DIME ONLINE’s Recruitment and Admissions team. Read more about The Lows and Angelo’s DIME experience HERE.
EDGAR DUENAS: BA Music Entrepreneurship (Class of 2017)
One of the hardest working DIME Detroit students, after graduation, Edgar started working full-time at The Fillmore, a beautiful historic venue located in the heart of Detroit's entertainment district. His role as Guest Relations prepared him for his most recent opportunity. In January 2019, he joined Zamora Entertainment as Assistant Talent Buyer. Zamora is the biggest live booking and promotions company for Latin and Mexican music in the USA.
MAX PREISSNER: BA Music Entrepreneurship (Class of 2018)
Max has always been a strong music business person, but he's also a recording artist. He has recorded and performed and under the name ‘Max Price‘, and has played many shows in Michigan and Colorado. He very recently earned his Master of Arts in Music Business at Berklee College of Music, and made the Dean’s List, graduating with a 4.0 from the program! We are proud of Max's academic achievements post-DIME and look forward to seeing what he does next. Read Max’s Graduate Spotlight HERE.
WILL DANIELS: BA Creative Music Performance - Drums (Class of 2018)
Drummer Will Daniels plays for several Detroit-based artists including Allye Gaietto and Sara Marie Barron. He is also working on his own original music project, @Will. He works with local collective We are Culture Creators, and also teaches drums at Detroit Enterprise Academy and drum line at Henry Ford Academy and Clarenceville School District. He has established himself as a versatile and employable Detroit-based drummer, who earns a living from his passion!
For more information about our graduates, degree programs and more, get in touch with us today!