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.”
DIME Detroit : A week in the life of students
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
A post from Kiara Jackson, 3rd year Music Entrepreneurship student
If 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
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?
Why choose DIME Detroit over a traditional music college experience?
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.
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
Dude York and PAWS with Copneconic, and Prude Boys at The Underground at DIME March 30
Dude York and PAWS with Copneconic, and Prude Boys at The Underground at DIME
7pm – $12 ADV / $14 DOS – *All Ages*
http://smarturl.it/
Website: www.thecrofoot.com
Tumblr: www.thecrofoot.tumblr.com
Instagram: @thecrofoot #thecrofoot
Twitter: @thecrofoot #thecrofoot
Tickets available at the Crofoot Box Office, www.ticketweb.com & by Phone: (866) 468-3401. Tickets are also available fee-free with cash at UHF Records in Royal Oak MI
Hip Hop at The Underground @ Dime: WE!RDOZ GANG March 9th
The Underground @ DIME presents
Frankie P
Amber Chene
BELVE
Wurl Sotto
WE!RDOZ GANG
March 9th – Doors at 7:30pm
$5 at the door.
DIME Summer Sessions! | June 26th-30th
DIME SESSIONS – June 26-30th | Ages: 12-18
We are proud to announce this unique summer program for young musicians that focuses on technical development and performance for GUITARISTS, BASSISTS, SINGERS, AND DRUMMERS – only at DIME Detroit!
Study with some of our top instructors and enjoy prizes and giveaways from our sponsors, MoPop and 89X!
Register before March 31st for the early bird price of $199!
DIME Detroit: An easy decision when you want the best for your child
DIME Detroit: An easy decision when you want the best for your child
The question for Steven Showers was hard: What could he do to make sure his son, Jimmy Showers, an aspiring guitar player, had a chance to live the life he wanted?
The answer was easy: DIME Detroit was the only option to give Jimmy an opportunity to build a career in the music industry.
Steve Showers, father of soon-to-be graduate, Jimmy Showers.
“As parents, we all want the best for our kids, but what are going to do to make sure they have the tools to be successful?” Steven asked before Jimmy’s 2017 graduation from DIME Detroit. “You have to live your life with urgency, try to live your dream and not go around asking ‘what if?’
“We knew the guy could play. We saw the spark. We saw the passion. We wanted to be able to say we put him in the right place to succeed in a long and sustainable career. DIME gave us that.”
Steven admits there was some uncertainty with DIME Detroit in 2014 because it was a Detroit startup and Jimmy would be part of the school’s first graduating class. Whatever it lacked in pedigree it made up for with buzz and substance from its founders, who had successfully started a similar program in the UK.
Showers researched the administrators and the instructors. He talked with them and came away with the same promise and enthusiasm for the future.
Learn more about our programs… CLICK HERE
“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. Now I get to say ‘that’s my kid.’ My son has a career in music.”
That’s the satisfaction that Lea Wiercioch is experiencing as well.
She sent her daughter, Ali, to DIME Detroit after the young songwriter and folk singer spent a year being unhappy at a theater performance school in New York. The situation at DIME Detroit has been the polar opposite. Ali knew within hours of a summer course that the family had found the right spot.
“They are so invested in each other and to every individual student,” Lea said of Ali’s experience with music professionals who serve as institute instructors. “They’re not going to tell you’re a star, but they are going to give you the tools to grow and be the best you can be. They’ll teach you at every step and cover all the bases.
Ali Wiercioch performing with students at the “Louder than Love” event at the Detroit YMCA.
“I’ve been blown away.”
Lea had another takeaway as she had the benefit of watching Ali develop friends for a lifetime at late-night jam sessions. The Wiercioch home often served as a gathering place for Ali and her fellow musicians to play their instruments, sing and laugh together at all hours of the night.
“It was actually a really cool part of the experience,” she said. “You could hear and see them forming relationships with each other. They love to be together, and then you saw the change in their talent and ability. They progressed so far so fast because of what they were learning.”
Parting words from a DIME Original…
The past 3 Years have flown by. I am proud to say that being a part of DIME has been the most rewarding step in my career.
To my team – Our office dynamic is one like I’ve never experienced before. We truly have the “dream team”. I have laughed, cried, stressed and celebrated. I have shared moments with you all that I can’t imagine I ever could have in any other workplace. Elise, Sabrina, Jess, Karl, Drew, Neal, Natalie, Allye, Paul and Deanna… and our fam at DIME Online, DIME Denver and Original 1265… thank you for everything.
Kevin and Sarah – My “bosses” and mentors. When I first saw the DIME pop-up shop on Woodward, I knew I would do whatever it took to work there. You saw my determination and desire to make a positive change in the city, and gave me a shot. And a blanket to keep me warm (aka stop me from shaking from nerves during my interview). Thank you for 3 years worth of unforgettable memories.
To my seniors – Everyone of you has come so far. This is your chance to make an impression and get your foot in the door to the music industry. Don’t slow down. This is the beginning of the rest of your life.
Kiara – You are absolutely beautiful inside and out, and I cannot thank you enough for the love that you’ve shown me. You have worked your (expletive) off, networked to no end, and can still somehow manage to sing like Adele. You deserve every good thing that comes to you (which will be plentiful). Please don’t ever stop.
Edgar – You are one of the hardest working individuals I’ve ever met. Please don’t think that it goes unnoticed. We see you putting in the hours at work to pay your own tuition, and still volunteering to be a stage hand and sell tickets at the Underground shows. Keep it up and it will take you far in this industry.
Ali – Watching you grow over the past few years has been amazingly entertaining. You’ve gone from a theater performer to a beautiful artist who can take on any genre when you hit the stage. I will always be one of your biggest fans. I can’t wait to see what happens after graduation!
Austin – Old reliable – our lone bass player. Thank you for always stepping up and jumping in on performances (and looking like the coolest kid in school even when the pressure was on).
Steve – I will never forget the day you came into the pop up shop with your mom and grandmother. They were so proud watching you audition for your future. They still are, sending us videos of you gigging on The Vans Warped Tour. Be proud of yourself. I am.
Ryan – Silent but deadly. You can play the guitar like it’s nobody’s business, and even though you have metal in your heart, you’ve stepped up countless times to play every genre possible and kept an open mind. I look forward to your Christmas songs every year and will be the first to purchase the full album.
Jimmy – You have a desire to learn that I admire so much. You are so humble, and do everything in your power to push your band mates and your own career forward. Anyone would be lucky to work with you, whether it be in social media, marketing or music.
Devin – Your songs (and mind) are truly one of a kind. You make me want to dance, and I can’t wait to see your name in lights, headlining EDM festivals across the country. Use your music to influence a positive change in the world, and nothing will be able to stop you.
Ian – You have an eye and ear for talent… Not to mention your amazing songwriting ability and the skills to play almost any instrument. You will do amazing work in sync, A&R, or wherever this path may lead you.
Jack – My big little brother. Thank you for creating some of my favorite music. I love watching you and the boys perform, whether it’s headlining at The Shelter or being the best wedding band I could have ever asked for. Keep pushing the band forward, and you will be the next Mumford & Sons. I will always have your back.
To all of our students and faculty – thank you for creating an inspiring place for me to work. Coming into your classes and just watching you perform truly was the best part of my day. You are such talented, wonderful people, and I hope you can see the positive impact you are making on Detroit and the music industry.
To the parents – thank you for taking a chance on us. We know that it can be emotional and nerve wracking sending your child to a brand new, non-traditional, school. But I can promise that this team will do everything in their power to help them succeed in their classes and in their future careers. Thank you for supporting your kids on this crazy journey, and for coming to all of our Student Performances. I loved being able to catch up in The Underground.
You all should be so proud of yourselves because I certainly am. I am proud to know you and consider you my friends.
Even though I won’t be in the office, you will still see me around. You can count on me being there for all of the fun stuff… Our parties, concerts, and graduation, where I will be crying like a baby in the back of the room, watching as the first graduating class walks across stage.
Thanks for the memories… I’m off to full-time mom life.
Love always,
Britt
#WeAreFamily #WeAreDIME
