Oakland University and the Detroit Institute of Music Education (DIME) have partnered to provide Bachelor of Arts degrees in performance, songwriting and music industry business classes to students wanting to study commercial music and pursue a career in music.
“We are thrilled to announce this relationship between Oakland University and DIME,” said Amy Hardison Tully, director of OU’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance. “Their quick rise as leaders in the world of commercial music is very exciting, and their community involvement in downtown Detroit is something that the School of Music, Theatre and Dance and the university as a whole is eager to be part of. We look forward to the collaboration between the two schools and the opportunities that await our students, faculty, and community members.”
Starting this semester, current DIME students are able to transfer to Oakland University to continue their program.
“We have been working hard over the summer with our colleagues at Oakland University to ensure students have a smooth transition into OU,” said Sarah Clayman, founder and managing director of DIME. “Due to Covid-19, many classes will be delivered online, with one-to-one sessions where possible. We are committed to giving students the best educational experience possible during these times, and recognize that home-study may be a challenge for some.
“We are giving all OU@DIME students access to both OU and DIME’s virtual learning environments, where students can study on their own time” Clayman added. “We are focused on continuing to provide students with real-life experiences via masterclasses and online lectures.”
Many existing DIME faculty members will continue to teach these programs as they know the curriculum well and have established strong relationships with the DIME students. DIME is looking forward to meeting OU faculty members and bringing DIME students to the OU campus for shared classes and experiences. OU students and faculty will also have access to the Underground, DIME’s live music venue in Downtown Detroit.
“DIME’s partnership with Oakland University is a huge win for young people of Detroit,” said Rick Sperling, CEO of Sperling Arts Strategies. “As the founder of Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, I witnessed the impact DIME had on talented Mosaic alums, giving them a place to continue to grow their musical talents and business smarts in college without leaving Detroit. As an arts education consultant, I have seen the excitement and passion DIME has created for Detroit high school students.”
New students can enroll at Oakland University to take general education and music core classes in Fall 2020. They will also be invited to participate in online masterclasses and any safe, in-person events. Students will be able to start DIME classes in Spring/ Fall 2021.
“Inspiration advanced through education is such a powerful combination,” said Lisa Applebaum of Applebaum Family Philanthropy. “DIME, now in partnership with such a vital institution for our community, Oakland University, take this an important step further by maximizing and transforming the next generation into pioneering leaders.
“Applebaum Family Philanthropy is so proud to help strengthen DIME and its critical relationship with Oakland University,” Applebaum added. “The future of professionally educated music entrepreneurs is very bright thanks to DIME and Oakland University coming together. I look forward to the many new leaders who will now be cultivated as a result of this partnership.”
