Soundtrack of My Life: Sara Berger

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The first in a new series where DIME students share the songs that have shaped their lives and musical journeys

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My name is Sara Berger and I’m a BA Commercial Music Performance (Vocals) major at DIME. I was born and raised in mid-Michigan and have been on many journeys in my short life, but I somehow always find myself back here. This soundtrack represents events and details that have shaped me into who I am today. They stand for what made me a musician and molded the choices that put me where I currently am mentally, emotionally, and physically.

 

 

“Listen to Your Heart” – DHT

This song means nearly everything to me and is the root of my musical journey and the start of my career. In 8th grade, I joined my middle school choir. Never having sung before, I just wanted to take the easiest class to boost my grades. Kids would audition for a solo slot in the final concert of the year. It was a huge ordeal and everyone dreamed of singing their favorite song at this performance. I ended up being convinced to sing backups for one of my friends’ songs, and my choir teacher heard me and drafted me into singing this song, which I had never even heard before. I hated singing and thought it was a joke. When I came into class the next day she showed me my name in the program, I had my own solo slot for “Listen to Your Heart”. I was in shock and stressed over it for days. I had no idea that one night, that one performance, that one song, would change my life forever. When I was finally in the moment singing this song, I remember pure bliss taking over my entire body. In the entire 1,500 seat auditorium, the only thing I could see through the pitch darkness was the tiny exit sign in the back of the room. It was the most significant moment in my life. I was nervous when the performance ended, I ran off the stage and just stood there for a few moments, unable to move or even comprehend what had happened. From that night on, I knew what my calling was. I knew that I was born to sing and I would spend the rest of my life trying to accomplish that. I would have never discovered my passion for singing and performing if it weren’t for being forced into singing at that concert.

“New York” – Alicia Keys

This was the theme song of my life when I moved to New York in 2015 to pursue musical theater. I had been accepted into AMDA (the American Musical and Dramatic Academy) and was planning to attend, but last minute I was given the chance to study privately with Peter Sklar and Kevin Jones. Those are two of the biggest names in the musical theater industry and they had offered me an opportunity which I couldn’t turn down. At the time, I thought that musical theater was my calling, and so I moved out to Brooklyn without a second thought. It was the biggest decision of my life, I had never been to New York, and I didn’t know a single soul there. I didn’t even know where I was going to live until a couple of weeks after I had landed. When I first arrived, I was able to spend a few nights with a friend of a family friend from home, but they were still complete strangers. Shortly after, I signed the lease for my apartment with two more complete strangers and we moved in. It was the most terrifying of times for me but I believe I learned more in the year I had spent there, than in all of my time at home. By the end of this chapter of my life, I was miserable and hated where I was. I had fallen into bad habits such as partying and drugs, I was surrounded by bad people, and I hated the path that my musical theater career was taking. I knew if I kept going the same way, I would end up in a bad place. Although my time in New York ended abruptly and painfully, I am thankful for having gone through it. I learnt things that only experiences such as these are capable of teaching. I wouldn’t trade my time and situations there for anything. They are just more pieces of who I am. 

“Confident” – Demi Lovato

My favorite song in the world is ‘Stone Cold’ by Demi Lovato and this was a song I sang when I auditioned for DIME. While ‘Stone Cold’ represents pain and heartbreak, ‘Confident’ represents a full blown defeat of inner demons and strength for me. What really makes this song special is that it not only represents an event of growth in my life, but it also is the new step for Demi, too. Being a diehard Lovatic like myself, it is a very special and endearing thing when you can blossom and transform with your hero at the same time. Demi delivers this song with power and a new perspective, and I was given the chance just recently to do the same. When I performed this song at the Grammy’s Show at DIME, it challenged me in ways I never knew were possible. The song made me expand my comfort zone and try new things and taught me to not care about what others say or think of me. The message of this song is to be confident in who you are and that there is nothing wrong with being assertive. This message perfectly sums up where I am in my life at this very moment, and represented a significant moment, of which there are many more to come!


 

Mastermind Collective Live: April 28th

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Mastermind

Come out and witness history as Mastermind Collective has their very first show!Come and enjoy some amazing live music from some very talented artists. Featured acts include
Grainger, and Dave Green.
Doors open at 7:30 at the Underground
Tickets: $5 in advance, $8 at the door.
Cash bar for guests 21+.

Turntable Thursdays: DEEP April 6th

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Deep

Jump in the mix! April 6th and join us for Turntable Thursday! We’ll be welcoming local DJ’s to perform in partnership with Spin Inc.

Doors open at 6:00pm – NO COVER!

Things are getting DEEP in The Underground as DJ’s from all across Detroit take the stage. You might want to bring your dive gear for this one.

DJ Darrell Dyer

G-smoove

Chris Worthy

Ravasco

9T3

GIA

Mix Sessions DJ’s

Frank Harrington: Ice Cold

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Young Detroit Artist and DIME Freshman, Frank Harrington, Talks Bridging Gaps, Style, and Kidnapping with Senior, Jimmy Showers

Frank Harrington is currently enrolled in the BA Commercial Songwriting course at the Detroit Institute of Music Education. I spoke with the young guitarist and songwriter one afternoon in the city he hopes will inspire him as it has so many of his role models. I wanted to know him and know more about the music he creates—the music that is drawing attention from local venues and fans for its unique flavor, a sound he describes as, “a mixture of Alabama Shakes meets early Arctic Monkeys with just a touch of Mac DeMarco.” Frank speaks about music with the same nostalgic comfort one finds digging and listening through a stack of vinyl records—he’s the cool friend that you’ve always known. Although he states, “I just want to be in the 70s”, his appeal is timeless. I asked Frank some questions about his sound, his current project, Brother Son, and got to know more about the suburban kid looking to make a name in Detroit.

Frank, brother to five and son to two, recalls his childhood as seemingly normal, growing up just outside Detroit in outlying Birmingham. A promising athletic pathway to the Olympics was cut short in the seventh grade when he discovered guitar, which just, “made sense” to him. Years later in his high school choir class, Frank discovered music and its correlation to self-expression and he was sold. It’s obvious that Frank’s love for music is strong as he gushes over his idols from the 1970s such as Lou Reed and The Eagles. Frank loves life, and consequently life and love propel the young songwriter as thematic elements in his music. His Instagram bio is simple – “Heartthrob”—so it makes sense that the first song he ever wrote, “Shy Remarks” was about heartache. What is unexpected, however is that the longing heart Frank sings about describes his kidnapping and boarding in Samoa. He spent the concluding months of his high school senior year isolated and miles away from home. This did allow him to hone some original songs for his musical aspirations and when he returned he got to work.

Hanging around his local music shop, Frank discovered DIME—The Detroit Institute of Music Education—auditioned, succeeded, and enrolled in the fall of 2016. Now currently in his second semester in the songwriting program, he believes that DIME is, “setting the bar” and kicking his creativity into overdrive: “I have never written as many songs as I have just in this last semester alone”.

Come check us out… SCHEDULE A TOUR (link to: http://music.dime-detroit.com/schedule-a-tour)

Along with furthering his education at the school in Detroit, Frank now lives in the city too which he says has only helped to inspire him. “The city is beautiful. It’s chill and totally low-key and just amazing,” says Frank about his apartment’s view of the developing downtown. To Frank, inspiration can come in many forms and he is no slouch in finding new ways to formulate expression. While currently excelling as a songwriter, guitarist, and student at DIME, Frank recently added another layer to his persona—fronting his newly formed band, Brother Son. The four piece is working on releasing two singles in the coming weeks in preparation for the release of their first EP this spring with live shows to follow. The sound, he describes, is, “sexy, but sophisticated.”

From his local roots to his newfound love in the Motor City, Frank is a force full of potential. His breaking into the local scene will come with a warm welcome for his unique and fresh flavor coupled with his charisma and charm. After all, what’s cooler than being cool? Well, that would be being Frank Harrington—ice cold.

Find out more about Frank Harrington here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brothersonofficial/

Instagram: @mymanfrancois

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/brother-son-band

 

What is next after DIME graduation?

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When Ali Wiercioch graduates from the Detroit Institute of Music Education this spring, the Michigan native doesn’t plan to stray far from home.
The folk singer and songwriter intends to launch her career in the booming Detroit music scene.
“DIME has set me up and introduced me to people who will help me get started,” Ali said. “I want to stay true to who I am and that’s working here, making a difference in this community.
“My goal isn’t to be famous, it’s to do what I love.”
She’ll be doing it alongside fellow DIME graduate, guitarist Jimmy Showers. Jimmy and Ali have already played local shows together and seen their education work for them even before they finish their studies.
“There are so many avenues for us to be a part of music here,” Ali said. “It’s an exciting time to be in Detroit and we’ve been so lucky to have DIME be here for us.”
The passion for music is ingrained in all DIME students and their instructors, all of whom are music industry veterans who have shown the way to success. There is no limit to what the students can achieve and they’ve seen that with visits from industry professionals, including award-winning artists, tour managers, songwriters, marketing representatives, and sound engineers, among others.
DIME students learn to be entrepreneurs and it is inspiring, said Will Daniels, a drum student.
“I’ve been exposed to so much here that I’m ready for anything,” Will said. “I can make a living playing and I can use my other talents to help others succeed.”
Will is going to chase a pair of projects to begin his professional career. Will plans on playing in multiple bands while also developing a personal entertainment company that he started while at DIME.
Another drummer, Jack Reedy, says he wants to see the world while touring. He knows that won’t happen overnight, but with the exposure DIME has given him to the industry, he’s confident it will happen.
“It won’t be overnight, I know that,” Jack said. “One of the things I’ve learned here is you get one gig and it leads to another. That contact will get you another, and it snowballs. It’s out there and it’s on us to go get it.”
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DIME Detroit : A week in the life of students

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acoustic

There is no limit to what students experience at DIME Detroit during the four years they study at the school that develops professionals who are ready for a sustained career in the music industry.
A look at a typical week is invigorating – and exhausting – if students take advantage of all DIME offers.
“You never want to miss a day down here,” said Will Daniels, a drum student. “There’s always something going on, something that’s going to help you make a career and build a portfolio.”
“You don’t know who’s going to stop by or what might pop up. That’s why, mostly, you’ll see everyone hanging around even when they don’t have class that day.”
Stop and think about that.
How many college students are heading to their respective schools on days they are otherwise free to spend as they wish?
At DIME, it’s commonplace.
Here’s a snapshot of one week at DIME Detroit in early March, 2017:
Monday through Friday: Of course, students attend classes. There are individual and group performance classes for vocalists, guitarists, bassists, and drummers. There is one-on-one guidance and songwriting instruction; impromptu jam sessions in common areas; discussions about how business, marketing, law and copyright relate to the music industry.
Thursday night: DIME’s on-site music venue, which is named The Underground @ DIME, hosts a free event called Turntable Thursday that brings in Detroit-area DJ’s in an effort to cultivate the music scene of all genres in Southeast Michigan. Other Thursday evening events include DIME Presents, which features local bands and acoustic artists, and even a Hip Hop night. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the performances start at 7 p.m.
Friday: Kern Brantley, a Detroit legend and veteran of A-list international tours, visits the Underground for a masterclass that informs and educates DIME students about how to land professional gigs. Brantley is a bass guitarist and musical director who has worked and toured with Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Chris Brown, Young Jeezy, and Jay Z. In the two-hour session he shares how he got started and how aspiring musicians can launch their own careers.
Saturday: It’s time for another show as three Michigan-based bands enter the Underground for live performances. The concert features two alternative/punk rock bands hailing from Grand Rapids and the third from Livonia.
Sunday: Rest and then repeat.

Ready to apply… LET’S GET STARTED

Student Stories: The Importance of Networking

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A post from Kiara Jackson, 3rd year Music Entrepreneurship student

kiaraIf you want to be successful, networking is the name of the game. The more connections you have, the more opportunities will begin to come your way. This is something that I have learned while being a student at DIME. Since day one of classes, DIME has always preached the importance of networking.

DIME presents plenty of networking opportunities for students, and I knew the importance of taking advantage of these opportunities. If there was a masterclass that I felt could benefit my career, I was there. Not only was I present, but I made sure to introduce myself to the speaker when the masterclass was over. Once I exchanged information with whomever, I would send a follow-up email expressing how it was a pleasure to meet that particular person. I had no idea that gestures like those could take me so far.

I have been very fortunate to have had a job working with Universal Music Group where I network with new people every single day. I am constantly learning new ways to engage with others. My professional career is beginning to flourish because of the basic networking skills that I have acquired at DIME. I have also discovered that joining professional clubs around the city has also helped build my network. Networking with others outside of my profession has indeed helped me tremendously in the music industry. Networking is a skill that must continuously be practiced. At the end of the day, it’s not quite who you know.. it’s all about who knows you.

DIME Presents: Jena Irene Asciuto | March 16th

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Dime Presents Jena Irene Asciutto at

The Underground @ DIME

w/ special guests

Brady Stablein (of Fifth & Main)

Carley Lusk

Thursday, March 16th at 6:30 PM – 9 PM
The Underground @ DIME

Get Your Tickets Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jena-irene-asciutto-wsg-brady-stablein-carley-lusk-tickets-32005991783

Why choose DIME Detroit over a traditional music college experience?

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Why choose DIME Detroit over a traditional music college experience?

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Dalton Sitzler performing at a recent student showcase at DIME Detroit.

 

Dalton Sitzler was set to attend the prestigious school of music at Belmont University in Nashville after his high school graduation – at least until he learned about and was accepted to DIME Detroit.

“DIME was a game-changer,” said Dalton, a drummer. “I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to learn and study under professionals who are out there making a career out of music like we want to do.”

Sitzler and other students say the key difference between DIME Detroit and studying music at a traditional college is the driving focus on preparing musicians for a career in the industry. DIME Detroit’s unique approach favors experience-based studies in modern, popular music over a curriculum that is more oriented to educate music teachers or extend learning for traditional jazz or classical performers.

At DIME Detroit, students will dive into music history, but specialize in songwriting, music industry studies, guitar, bass, drums or vocals. Musicians and entrepreneurs learn how the industry works and how to earn a living. They’ll learn publishing and copyright, marketing and promotion techniques as well as business finance.

Students will meet industry professionals across the spectrum of work that is available. Funk superstar George Clinton has been a masterclass guest. Tim Van Der Kuil, guitarist for Adele, as well as Republic Records President, Charlie Walk, have also been guests at DIME Detroit.

Steven Showers, the father of guitar student Jimmy Showers, said moments like that form contacts that will build a network and the basis of a career.

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Students celebrating the end of the 2016-17 school year in The Underground @ DIME.

“What sold us was the quality of the staff and the fact that they come from the industry,” Steven said. “They harness talent and teach students exactly what they’re going to do and what they’re going to encounter in the music profession.

“Other colleges aren’t doing that. This is career development.”

Will Daniels, another drum student, said there is no comparison between what he’s been able to do at DIME Detroit and what other friends at schools of music have achieved. Daniels has joined multiple bands, been exposed to music venues and launched an entertainment company.

“It’s real here,” Will said. “There’s no wasted time or energy.”

Like many college students, Jack Reedy says his years at DIME Detroit are the best of his life. He bases that on the relationships he’s formed and his progression as a musician, strides he says he couldn’t have made at a traditional school of music.

“They’ve taken us from kids playing in the basement to being ready to be on the ‘A’ list of music professionals,” Jack said. “That’s the most simplistic way to say why DIME is the best choice.”

Learn more about our programs… CLICK HERE