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Kevin Nixon is a music industry professional. In a career spanning more than 40 years he has amassed a wealth of experience as a musician, recording artist, songwriter, producer, artist manager and music educator. In addition in being responsible for the sale of millions of records and shaping the...READ FULL BIOKevin NixonDIRECTOR -
Sarah Clayman is a music industry professional who has worked in various areas of the music industry since a very young age.While some children follow their parents to become doctors or lawyers – Sarah Clayman knew she wanted to follow her father’s example and become a music industry professional....READ FULL BIOSarah ClaymanDIRECTOR -
It takes a while before struggling musicians can become spendthrift Grammy-winners. Until then, there’s Michelle Jay, who oversees the school’s finances and advises students through their financial queries.READ FULL BIOMichelle JayDIME Group Head Of Finance -
Paul Riser needs no introduction... but we’ll do it anyway! As a musician and music arranger for Motown, Paul Riser has written and arranged songs for some of the biggest names in the business: Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Luther Vandross, Joss Stone, Kylie Minogue, Marvin Gaye, Carly...READ FULL BIOPaul Riser - Artist In ResidenceArtist In Residence -
Jess is the mastermind behind the student experience for both DIME ONLINE and DIME DETROIT. Jess works with students by offering one-to-one pastoral support on assessment, exams, and progression.READ FULL BIOJess HamlinInstructor -
If you’ve seen David Leve perform, you know he wears many hats—literally, he has a lot of hats. Leve is a jack of many trades in the music world: he DJs under the name Ma3stro, reviews pop music on YouTube, is a professionally trained jazz musician who served as...READ FULL BIODavid Leve-Songwriting, Music Theory & Music Industry StudiesINSTRUCTOR -
Michael Malis is DIME’s piano prodigy and instructor. When Michael isn’t in the classroom and educating future pianists, he’s behind his own keyboard, composing and performing around the globe. At the University of Michigan, Malis double-majored in English and Jazz Studies, then went on to Wayne State to earn...READ FULL BIOMichael Malis-Piano & Music TheoryINSTRUCTOR -
Brad Russell’s bass guitar has been rattling walls from LA to NYC, banging out basslines for legends of rock ‘n’ roll such as Joe Satriani, Clarence Clemons of the E Street Band, Steve Smith of Journey, Joe Walsh of the Eagles, and more. Before these gigs, Brad earned his Bachelor’s...READ FULL BIOBrad Russell - BassINSTRUCTOR -
Detroit metropolitan native Carmen Woodruff is thrilled to return to her hometown to share her journey and experiences with the talented students at DIME after performing and studying throughout the United States and around the globe. Carmen specializes in teaching and performing many styles of contemporary music with an...READ FULL BIOCarmen Woodruff - VocalsINSTRUCTOR -
Eric “Rain Man” Gaston is such a good drummer that we’re starting to wonder if he sold his soul at the crossroads. Is there a better drummer in the U.S. than Rain Man?READ FULL BIOEric ‘Rain Man’ Gaston- Drums / Head of Live Music ContentHead Of Drums, Head of Live Music Content -
One of the most sought after guitarists in Detroit, Kris has experience playing in a myriad of styles. Kurzawa earned a BA (2003) and MA (2012) in music and jazz studies from Wayne State University.READ FULL BIOKris Kurzawa – GuitarHead of Guitar and Bass -
Audra Kubat is a Detroit-born singer-songwriter who began composing music on the piano at the age of 8. By her teens, she was adding lyrics to the songs, then singing at local coffeehouses.READ FULL BIOAudra Kubat - SongwritingHead of Songwriting -
We are pleased to have Kern Brantley as our 2018/19 Artist in Residence! As a bass player and musical director, Kern has worked with artists like Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Mary J Blige, Puff Daddy & The Bad Boy Family, David Foster, Jeezy, Ne-Yo, Brandy, Ciara, Chris Brown, Destiny’s Child,...READ FULL BIOKern Brantley - 18/19 Artist in ResidenceArtist in Residence -
Shara Nova (singer and songwriter for My Brightest Diamond) has become one of the most distinct voices of her generation. The multi-instrumentalist and composer has written numerous works for film, choir, marching bands, orchestra, and chamber ensemble. She has recorded as a guest vocalist with David Byrne, Laurie Anderson, The...READ FULL BIOShara Nova - 19/20 Artist In ResidenceArtist In Residence -
Traveling all over the world performing with so many talented musicians can be an exciting experience, but for Nate, it is more exhilarating using the gift of music to spread joy to the people who listen.READ FULL BIONate Winn - DrumsINSTRUCTOR