DIME Detroit is proud to announce that The Underground at DIME will be the 5th performance stage at The Detroit Music Weekend! Join us Saturday, June 16th for a day filled with performances and open house style events! Check back for more details soon!
Through partnerships with local music companies, venues, and festivals, DIME provides our students with unique real-world music industry experiences. These resume-building internship programs are offered to current students, as well as alumni, extending DIME Detroit’s campus into the wider music community in Detroit and beyond.
2018 placement opportunities include positions at The Fillmore Detroit, Assemble Sound, Crofoot Promotions, Fusion Shows, JSB Squad, Original 1265 Recordings and Paxahau. During the summer season our students will be working at major music festivals in South East Michigan including Movement, MoPop Festival, BLED Fest and Three Stacks.
DIME Detroit is so thankful to each and every one of the companies, venues, and festivals below that have opened their doors to DIME students! Please support them in any way you can!
If you’re interested in attending DIME Detroit in Fall 2018, please get in touch with us! Email info@dime-detroit.com or call 313-223-1600.
DIME Senior Jack Reedy has always had the same goal: to be a full-time touring drummer in a band. His dream is just around the corner – after graduating in June, Jack will be hitting the road with his band, No Alarms, for their first Midwest Tour supporting the release of their debut self-titled EP.
No Alarms started as the solo project of lead singer Andrew Boles, eventually growing into a five-piece indie rock/electro-pop band. They’re heavily inspired by Radiohead (hence the band name referring to “No Surprises” off of OK Computer), but they also draw from pop-punk and electronic sensibilities, blending both acoustic and electronic instruments to create a distinctly current sound.
DIME Senior Jack Reedy at his drum kit
Andrew spotted Jack playing drums at the Crofoot for Max Pegasus, a DIME student band. Andrew immediately noticed Jack’s skill and asked him to join. The connection to DIME isn’t just a coincidence of time and place, however. “I would suck at drums if I didn’t go to DIME,” Jack said, laughing. But through years of practice and studying under Detroit’s finest instructors, like Eric “Rain Man” Gaston and Drew Schultz, Jack is ready to take on his career. “DIME has really prepared me to become a musician who can tour professionally, and now I get to!”
Apart from their upcoming tour, No Alarms has been gaining attention nationally. Their song “Right is What’s Left” was used on the ABC Sitcom Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, and their EP was recently reviewed in Paste Magazine. They’ve also recently released a music video for their single “Amateur Telephony,” which led them to some cool connections – the Director of Photography was Alexander Elkins, who has also worked with bands like Twenty One Pilots.
No Alarms self-titled debut EP is out now!
No Alarms will play their first live show for Jack’s senior recital at 7pm on Thursday, May 3, at the Underground @ DIME. This event will be free and open to the public, so everyone is welcome to attend!
You can learn more about No Alarms through the following channels:
https://www.noalarmsmusic.com/
https://twitter.com/noalarmsmusic
https://www.instagram.com/noalarmsmusic/
https://www.facebook.com/noalarmsmusic
Interested in programs at DIME? Call us at (313) 223-1600 or email info@dime-detroit.com
DIME is excited to present its first ever Night of Voice on Thursday, April 19th in our Underground venue. The event will feature performances from DIME Faculty DeAnna Johnson, Antea Shelton, Liz Belluni, Katie Else and DIME Detroit students will also hit the stage to showcase their talents!
We had the chance to sit down to talk to year one vocals student, Makayla Hewins (Ma-Kay-la), about her first year here at DIME, her biggest musical influences, and what we can expect to see at DIME Detroit’s Night of Voice!
What is your background in music and education?
I started singing around the house when I was about 2 years old and joined the church choir at 3. I didn’t like it at first! I used to cry every Sunday on the choir stand, but I got over that eventually. I sang my first solo, “This Christmas” by Chris Brown, at my church Christmas program when I was eight. Then, I was in the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit during my junior and senior years of high school, which is where my formal music training began. Then, I started studying at DIME in August, 2017.
What are some of your musical influences?
Join us on Friday, May 4th for our first ever, FIRST FRIDAY OPEN HOUSE! We will have staff, faculty, and students in our acoustic space to talk about the MSU Denver at DIME degree programs in Commercial Music Performance, Commercial Songwriting, and Music Industry Studies.
Of course, we will have live music in the underground immediately following the event, so we encourage you to stick around!
Friday, May 4th, 5-7pm
DIME Detroit
1265 Griswold, Detroit MI 48226
REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED….
Can you sing different musical styles with authenticity and authority? Each week of this short course will focus on vocal technique, allowing singers to take steps towards being a versatile professional, stretching outside of their comfort zones and better preparing them to perform in any situation. Vocal instructor Liz Belluni has coached students who have gone on to appear in Billboard Magazine, VH1, The Disney Channel, and sign major deals with talent agencies across the country. She is excited to share her knowledge with up-and-coming singers and performing artists. This course will culminate in a live performance in DIME’s amazing Underground venue, where students will demonstrate the skills learned throughout the course on stage!
Now more than ever, musicians, songwriters, and music entrepreneurs must know how to connect with an audience not only with sound, but with visual content and a unique story. At times, an artist’s image is every bit as meaningful as their musical catalogue. This class will explore how to BUILD YOUR BRAND as an artist and/or artist manager! Instructor, Stephanie Belcher, works as a strategist and consultant in the metro Detroit arts and music scene. She has helped many entrepreneurs, artists, and musicians execute their big ideas. In addition, she is a fierce entrepreneur, who owns and operates several businesses devoted to marketing, promotion, and booking local and regional artists and musicians. With a background in marketing, business management, and accounting, she brings a valuable perspective to her students.
DIME is excited to present its first ever Night of Voice on Thursday, April 19th in our Underground venue. The event will feature performances from DIME Faculty DeAnna Johnson, Antea Shelton, Liz Belluni, Katie Else and DIME Detroit students will also hit the stage to showcase their talents!
We had the chance to sit down to talk to year one vocals student, Jamiliah Minter (Jah-Mil-Ah), about her journey in music, her biggest musical influences, and what we can expect to see at DIME Detroit’s Night of Voice!
What is your background in music and education? When did you start studying at DIME Detroit?
I started in DIME in August, 2017. My background in music is mostly classical, because for about six years I practiced strictly classical music. I also was apart of a group called Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, we practiced everything from gospel, pop, spiritual, and secular music. “From Beethoven to Beyonce,” as they would say often. That is where my journey in music education began, and where it became more than a serious hobby. I practiced there from 13 years old until I was around 19.
What are some of your musical influences?
I would say Janelle Monae, definitely Miguel, Micheal Jackson, Lalah Hathway and Stevie Wonder. My favorites tend to switch up a lot, but the artists that I just named always leave me with a “how did you do that?!” expression when I listen to them.
You are scheduled to perform at DIME DETROIT’s Night of Voice on Thursday, April 19th. What can we expect to see?
The overall night will have a lot of different feels! You’re going to get some love songs, some spiritual songs, and everything in between. It will be full of surprises, so, to be honest, you really shouldn’t expect to see anything that you are thinking. As far as my performance is concerned, I will be doing a solo performance.. I don’t think I should say too much about it… you have to come to the show to see it!
Do you have a stage name that you currently perform under?
At the moment, I am teetering between a couple of names. I’m leaning towards a name that I received during my visit to Africa: “Amenan.”
Are you working on releasing any upcoming projects?
Yes, I am! I’m currently working on releasing my first EP called “Unsaid EP”. As people, I feel that we think so much more than we actually say. It’s kind of like the tip of the iceberg theory, there is so much that lies beyond the surface. So this EP will expand on that concept. I plan to release it early 2019.
How has DIME DETROIT shaped you as a vocalist?
I’m learning more about the technical aspects of singing, like how keep my voice in better shape, and how to be healthy as a singer/performer. The program forces you to be more responsible as a person and as an artist. When you have deadlines, your instructors will not cut you any slack. I feel like I’m evolving into a new version of myself, and it’s crazy! I’ve only been here for a couple of months, but it feels like two years with the amount of information I have retained.
Where do you see yourself post-graduation?
I’m really into live performance, so I definitely see myself in that world. I’m going to Los Angeles and New York for a couple of auditions this summer. I am also a dance teacher, so I definitely want to combine the two together. Graduation is so far away, but I know that everything that has happened to me seems to have fallen out the sky. I got chance to perform with Foreigner, Josh Groben, Thornetta Davis and a lot of others. I haven’t really sought out these opportunities, but being ready and prepared for anything has gotten me really far, so I can only imagine where I will be in a couple of years with God’s plan.
What advice would you give to a student that’s considering DIME Detroit?
You have to really decide if music or arts is really what you want to do. Having the right balance is critical. It can be really hard at times, but if it’s something that you love, it’s easy. You have to be willing to put in the work, you have to be willing to take criticism, to get on the stage and face your fears, all of it. You have to be built for this but it can be so rewarding at the same time.
Our students have rehearsed, auditioned, and rehearsed some more for the biggest annual show of all!
Friday, May 11th – Doors at 7pm
1265 Griswold, Detroit, MI 48220
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!!!
Detroit is Dope: Live at The Underground at DIME, Sunday April 29th
This week, we sat down with DIME’s Head of Vocals & MSU Denver at DIME Campus Manager, DeAnna Johnson! Don’t miss DeAnna and her students performance at our Night of Voice on Thursday, April 19th! For more information about that show, click here!
What inspired you to be a singer?
My mom and dad are both music lovers so music has always been a part of who I am. I’ve been singing since I was about 3 years old. My family has a video of me singing a Patti LaBelle song while sitting in my mom’s lap. I feel like I was born to do it. What really inspires me is hearing other great artists sing with passion and move people with their voice.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
Again, this is also something that I started to gain interest in as a child. I’ve always had a passion for helping people and sharing what I know. When I started high school at the Detroit School of Arts (DSA), it ignited my passion for music even more which led me to continue my studies in undergraduate and graduate school, allowing me to pursue a full-time career in music education.
I was very fortunate to have music teachers who saw something in me that I did not see in myself. This is why I chose to become a music educator. I wanted to do the same thing for someone else.
DeAnna with vocal department instructors and students at the Hitsville USA, Detroit, MI. Top: DeAnna Johnson, Liz Gray, Sara Berger, Alivia Combs. Bottom: Devin Woodson, Lucie Hanifi, Ally Evenson.
What do you like about teaching at DIME, and working as Campus Manager for MSU Denver?
One of the biggest perks about teaching at DIME is the opportunity to teach students who are passionate about music, in a cool and relaxed atmosphere. The students here are amazing and they are the number one reason why I love coming to work! I’m excited to see what the future holds for all of them.
Being in the Campus Manager role has allowed me to get to know all of the students as opposed to just the vocal students. It has also given me a chance to use my experience as a performer and music educator to help shape the programs here at DIME.
What kind of growth have you seen in your students here?
Each student is different. I’ve seen students go from being shy and insecure to confident performers who are driven to succeed. I’ve seen students who are experienced performers sharpen their skills and discover new things about themselves. I’ve seen students step out of their comfort zone and try new things and transform into well rounded musicians. Being able to witness their growth is very rewarding.
What kind of things are you involved in outside of DIME that filter back into the classroom?
Prior to joining the DIME team, I taught elementary, middle and high school music for 9 years. I’ve worked with the Detroit Children’s Choir (DCC). I have performed in several productions with the Michigan Opera Theatre Chorus. I teach private voice lessons to students of all ages. Additionally, I am currently pursuing a PhD in Music Education at Oakland University.
What’s one of your proudest moments thus far as a teacher here at DIME?
It’s so hard to pick just one! Seeing the voice students be featured on the DIME album, placing first and second in National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Auditions, and performing at various venues around the community are just few great things that have happened this year. It just makes me proud to see their hard work paying off.
DeAnna conducting students of her Pop and Soul Choir class for their final performance!
Anything else you want to add about your experience at DIME?
Working at DIME has been a unique experience. It’s been exciting to see how the school has grown, especially in the vocal department. Four years ago we had only had one vocalist, who has now graduated. We now have 22 students and 4 amazing faculty members who will all be performing in the Vocal Showcase next week! It will be quite an experience!
