DIME students compete in Motown Museum Competition

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Congratulations to DIME Vocal Performance students Don Goodall (second from right), Jamiliah Minter (third from right), and Fred Botten (center) on completing the Motown Museum Amplify Singing Competition. All three students performed with the other finalists at the Grand Finale show and Year 2 vocalist Fred Botten advanced to win the third place Soul Award with his rendition of The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back”!

An open to the public, family-oriented event, AMPLIFY seeks to build on the rich legacy of Motown, celebrate the unique voices of Detroit and the creative synergy of artists past, present, and emerging. The four week semi-final phase of the competition was held in The Underground @ DIME, leading up to the grand finale performance at Detroit’s Garden Theatre. The Grand Prize Winning Act received a $2,500 cash prize and a studio session with Motown Museum AMPLIFY Producers Drew Schultz (MSU Denver Interim Campus Manager/DIME Instructor) and Kern Brantley (DIME 2018/19 Artist-in-Residence). Congrats to everyone that participated this year!

We are currently auditioning for our Spring and Fall 2020 semesters. Click below to request more information! 

Contact Us

 

Student Spotlight: Chris “Kaz” Kaszuba (Drums)

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We are shining the spotlight on Chris "Kaz" Kaszuba ahead of his performance at BACKBEAT: A Night of Drums! Kaz has begun his 4th and final year as a Commercial Music Performance - Drum student and is certainly one of the hardest working students  at DIME Detroit with a bright future in the music industry. Read his interview below to learn about his musical influences and where you can watch him perform.

 

What is your background in music education? What brought you to DIME?

  1. I attended both Wayne State University and Schoolcraft Community College in hopes to pursue a degree in music and neither program was what I was looking for. When I heard about DIME from a co-worker and now alumni of DIME, I knew this was the place for me. I realized I ultimately wanted to perform since I had been drumming for 21 years at the time I had found out about DIME. I wanted to expand on my drumming abilities and musicianship.

Who are some of your favorite drummers?

  1. Some of my favorite drummers are Buddy Rich and Dennis Chambers who I started listening to at the age of 5. Years later I really got into Dave Garibaldi who is the drummer for Tower of Power.

You’re in your final year at DIME – congratulations! How has your time here influenced your drumming and musicianship?

  1. My time at DIME influenced my drumming and musicianship by continuously pushing the boundaries with my technical development and improvisation skills. I’ve also learned ways to interact, network and connect with fellow musicians and industry professionals.

What can we expect to hear from you at Backbeat: DIME’s Night of Drums?

At this year’s Backbeat I’ll be creating a mash up of some fun upbeat songs to play over which will incorporate a variety of techniques, concepts, style and grooves which I’ve learned while attending DIME.

What bands do you currently play in? Any gigs coming up?

  1. Currently, I play in Holly and the Johnnies and Ask Mary. Both bands are cover bands in which I play drums and sing. Upcoming gigs include November 22nd and November 23rd at The Morrie in Royal Oak and Birmingham with Ask Mary.

Aside from being a drummer, you are also a Facilities Assistant through the Work Study program. How has that experience been for you?

  1. In addition to being a drummer, I’m also a Facilities Assistant through the Work Study program. This has been a very rewarding position and experience. I’ve learned how to stage manage events and act as the stage tech. I really enjoy being able to help out around the school with regular maintenance of instruments and making sure students have the gear available and ready to use for both rehearsals and performances in the Underground.

Where do you see yourself after graduation?

  1. After graduation, I could see myself possibly teaching. My ultimate goal is to tour and get into studio and session work. I’m also working on starting an original project which will mesh together the aspects of my favorite genres including rock, funk and Motown.

What advice would you give someone considering DIME Detroit?

  1. I would encourage any musician who is considering a professional career in the music industry to attend DIME Detroit. In addition to the musicianship and technical developments I have gained during my time at DIME Detroit, I have also made some very good connections with professionals in the music industry. DIME really helped me to start to make a name for myself. I’ve grown as a musician, performer and a person through my instructors and the staff at DIME. I look forward to see what’s next!

 

Come watch Kaz and several other talented drummers at BACKBEAT: A Night of Drums on Friday, November 15th at 8PM. Our next semester begins on January 21st, 2020. Start your application for a Bachelors program in Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals, Songwriting or Music Industry Studies today!

APPLY NOW!

No time to study for a full-time degree? Study individual classes for credit at DIME

INDIVIDUAL CLASSES

If you’re interested in in finding out more about DIME Detroit, contact info@dime-detroit.com or check out the homepage: www.dime-detroit.com

Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Student Spotlight: Year 2 Songwriting Student Julia Furlong

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From the moment Julia Furlong (professionally known as J. Donahey) stepped into DIME Detroit she had a plan to make the most out of her college experience. As a 2nd year Commercial Songwriting student Julia has kickstarted our newest student-led club and booked a performance spot with the notable and intimate Sofar Sounds. In preparation for her performance at Live & Lyrical: A Songwriter Showcase on Friday, October 11th we asked her a few questions about her background and how she landed in Downtown Detroit. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is your background and music education? What brought you to DIME?

I am a singer/songwriter from Ann Arbor. After high school in I went to a university to become a Special Education teacher. Although I am passionate about Special Education, I felt drawn to pursue music and transferred out of the university because it was no longer a fit for me. In 2017, I started developing myself as J. Donahey, performing around the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. After attending community college for a few semesters, I stumbled upon DIME through an Instagram advertisement.  I wanted to pursue a music education but didn’t see myself in a traditional university setting, DIME was exactly what I was looking for, it was quite serendipitous.

Who are some of your influences?

The answer to this question changes weekly, like many people I go through phases of being obsessed with different artists and bands. Ultimately, I’m inspired by Amy Winehouse, Etta James, Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell, and Alabama Shakes. Lately I’ve been listening to Sheryl Crow’s self titled album, The Ronettes, and Dolly Parton’s My Tennessee Mountain Home.

What can we expect to see from you at Live and Lyrical Showcase?

It’s going to be me and an acoustic guitar. Having an acoustic accompaniment allows my voice and lyrics to shine. Also I’ll be performing in a trio with my favorite cowriters Violet and Julia!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit: Donatella Photography

You often perform your original music as J. Donahey, what has been your experience as an Independent artist?

Being an independent artist is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, experiences of my life. It’s difficult living in an instant gratification society, you see people going viral and this twisted idea of “making it.” Not to shame artists who have gained their platform like that, but it’s easy to become jaded when you put so much passion and hard work into projects and performances and don’t see immediate results. Building my name from the ground up, I’ve learned patience and the art of trusting the process.

The most rewarding aspect of being an independent artist has been creating my own network and community. I seek to collaborate with likeminded people of all genres who are truly about their craft. I’m friends with my collaborators, and we’re all rooting for each other in our different endeavors.  I have done many things for myself, by myself, but at the end of the day I wouldn’t be where I am without all the friends, family and creatives in my corner. Taking the competitive comparison culture out of my art has done wonders for me as a musician and an overall person. I’m growing every day, and I get to witness my friends flourish in their passions. It’s been the most gratifying experience; I could never imagine myself doing anything different in this moment.

How has DIME impacted your songwriting?

Before coming to DIME I considered myself a good songwriter. Being here has challenged me to go outside my comfort zone doing cowrites and writing for all kinds of genres and different perspectives. Now I look at my old stuff and question what I was thinking! Not only have my lyrics improved, but my understanding of music in general has expanded further than I imagined. And I feel I’ve only just entered the rabbit hole!

 Any gigs outside of DIME coming up?

Yes! I’ll be performing for Sofar Sounds – Ann Arbor on October 17th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit: Donatella Photography

Where do you see yourself after graduation?

These type of questions always rack my brain because if you asked me 2 years ago where I would be today I would never have guessed where I am currently. But I’ve always felt at home in the studio. I see myself writing and recording my own material, collaborating with other artists and producers, and travelling. Doing what I’m doing now but on a grander scale. Lately I’ve been into music coordination for television and movies too. Who knows where life will take me?

You recently led the first-ever meeting of the DIME Detroit Songwriter’s Circle. How was the experience of facilitating a song workshopping group? What do you see in the future of the Songwriter’s Circle?

Honestly, I was floored by how many people not only showed up, but created a positive, supportive, encouraging environment. I did the logistics, set the date and time, I didn’t even feel as though I was leading it because everything was so mutual.  Right now, we are in the process of sharing our originals round robin style and opening the floor for observations and advice. But as we develop, I would love to introduce prompts, cowrites, collaboration, and eventually set up some small performances.

What advice would you give someone considering DIME Detroit?

DIME is a unique experience, we are in the beginning stages of building our legacy in the academic world and the music industry. Here, your voice is not only heard, but valued.

 

Make sure to catch Julia at the Live & Lyrical Showcase on Friday, October 11th with special guest Emma Guzman, 2019 TIDAL Unplugged Grant Recipient! More information can be found on the Facebook Event Page.

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Our next semester begins on January 21st, 2020. Start your application for a Bachelors program in Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals, Songwriting or Music Industry Studies today!

APPLY NOW!

No time to study for a full-time degree? Study individual classes for credit at DIME

INDIVIDUAL CLASSES

If you’re interested in in finding out more about DIME Detroit, contact info@dime-detroit.com or check out the homepage: www.dime-detroit.com

Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Open House: Saturday, October 19th 1-3pm

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DIME Detroit’s Open House is a great opportunity to meet our instructors, staff, students, and industry-professional faculty!  We will also have live performances from current students, raffle giveaways, as well as onsite admissions representatives to help you with your application and answer questions about our audition process.

Stay tuned, we will be announcing special guests and performers throughout the coming weeks on our website and social media!

DIME Detroit Open House
Saturday, October 19th, 1-3pm
1265 Griswold, Detroit, MI 48226

Register Now

If you have any questions, please contact us at 313-223-1600 or email info@dime-detroit.com

Instructor Spotlight: Stephanie Belcher

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This week’s featured instructor is Stephanie Belcher. Stephanie has managed artists’ street teams, aided musicians who were negotiating contracts, worked venues and festivals, and taught artists how to get their music reviewed, promoted online, written about in magazines, and streaming online. Learn about how our Head of Music Industry Studies started out as a high school  journalist writing stories about the Cleveland music scene! 

 

What inspired you to be involved in the music industry? 

I come from a musical family and it’s always been a huge part of my life. My entire paternal family belonged to a big Hungarian band, accordion and all. Each of my 6 uncles played an instrument, and everyone sings. My maternal great-grandmother was a classical pianist, so at my grandmother’s request I started taking piano lessons when I was young. I was a member of my church choir and when I joined my high school newspaper, I started covering local rock bands who played out. Writing about music became my goal, and I intended to be a journalist, but in college I found that I wasn’t challenged by a journalism program and I ended up majoring in Telecommunications, with a focus on Media Management. I learned how to program TV and radio stations, marketing, business, and more. During college, I booked shows for our campus activities committee, and this lead me into my career.

What was your first opportunity in the music industry, how has it shaped you today?

In Cleveland, where I grew up, there’s a large battle of the bands competition called The High School Rock Off. At the time, the concert happened at the Odeon, but now, it happens at the Rock Hall. In 1998, two bands from my high school, Trinity, were competing, so I covered their journey in the Features section of our high school newspaper. Local news picked it up, and I started getting paid by the community paper to cover the local music industry. It was here, at the age of 16, that I realized how important music is to local communities.

What do you like about teaching at DIME?   

My favorite part is interacting directly with students. I learn as much from them as they do from me. I appreciate their fresh perspectives on culture and human nature, as well as music. Every year on the first day of class, all my students and I have a listening party, where we each pick a track or two to play for the class. The only rule is that you have to listen respectfully. It’s a great ice breaker, especially for a new cohort, and the students tell me that they have made great friends in my class because they quickly found someone with similar music tastes.

What kind of growth have you seen in your students here?

My students know that I am insistent upon them to use their voices. My assessments are usually spoken presentations; I like to make people talk to me. This upcoming fall semester will be my 5th new cohort, and I am proud of how loud my students are becoming. Students who before didn’t know how are now speaking up for themselves and making sure they’re being heard. I’m equally proud of how they are shaping Detroit. All my students are out in the community, taking part in activities and organizations, creating events and concerts. They’re hard workers and they’re doing great.

What kind of things are you involved in outside of DIME that filter back into the classroom?

In my day job, I do taxes, so I see deep inside a business’s structure. Taxes are the government’s way of incentivizing economic decisions, so I tend to see business trends far in advance of when they actually become mainstream. For example, I’m signed up to take an accounting continuing education course about Cryptocurrency and how it will be taxed. For some people, using Bitcoin every day might seem light years away. But in the tax industry, the more people that earn money from a source, the more attention the IRS pays to it. These are the kinds of issues that affect businesses, so since I have access to education about these topics early, I am able to teach my students early, and together we create innovations that seem ahead of their time to the mainstream. I attend thought leadership conferences on issues like this, trying to shape policy and influence decision making. My students are part of that.

What’s one of your proudest moments thus far as a teacher here at DIME?

I’m always blown away by the end of the year student show. The energy in the room is incredible. Everyone’s friends and family are there, dressed up nicely. It’s the end of term, all things are good, we’re ready to flex a little. That’s when I feel the most proud.

Which bands/artists did you enjoy working with throughout your career?

One of my first marketing projects back in the year 2000 was John Mayer’s first solo EP, distributed by Aware Records. I was an Aware rep, and we received 2 discs for free and we could buy more of them at a discount and re-sell at a markup. I hung posters at the student union, played the disc for my friends, made mixes – all before social media and right at the beginning of Napster’s huge rise. I remember using Kazaa to download live John Mayer shows as marketing tools. It was a great learning experience, trying to figure out how to convince someone that a person’s music matters.  I’m currently working with a few emerging artists from Michigan. I love The Accidentals, a folk trio from Traverse City, and The Go Rounds, and Michigander, both indie bands from Kalamazoo. On the jazz side, I really enjoy working with Estar Cohen, Travis Aukerman, Galen Bundy, and Heavy Color.

DIME announces Applebaum Fellows Scholarship Program!

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DIME, in partnership with Applebaum Family Philanthropy, are excited to announce an exclusive student scholarship for Detroit-based students.

The Applebaum Fellows Scholarship Program at DIME Detroit is a mentorship and scholarship program for highly motivated students who are interested in developing their entrepreneurial business and community leadership skills. Successful students will receive individual and group mentorship and will receive tailored coaching to develop their leadership and business skills.

Students will also create a community service project that will showcase their entrepreneurial skills and passion for arts, culture, and music.

Up to $4,100 is available to successful students for the 2019-20 academic year. Students who are interested can apply by visiting the Financial Aid and Scholarships page of the DIME website.

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Open House: Saturday, June 22nd 1-3pm

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Ally and TerriDIME Detroit’s Open House is a great opportunity to meet our instructors, staff, students, and industry-professional faculty! This time, we’ll have a presentation event in our venue space beginning at 1:30pm, so please arrive on time!  We will also have live performances from current students, as well as onsite admissions representatives to help you with your application and answer questions about our audition process.

Stay tuned, we will be announcing special guests and performers throughout the coming weeks on our website and social media!

DIME Detroit Open House
Saturday, June 22nd, 1-3pm
1265 Griswold, Detroit, MI 48226

Register Now

If you have any questions, please contact us at 313-223-1600 or email info@dime-detroit.com

Faculty Fair: June 22nd – Now Hiring Instructors for Fall 2019

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DIME and MSU Denver are looking for talented, passionate professionals to join our faculty for the Fall 2019 semester! DIME is a music institute like no other – designed for serious musicians who desire a long-term, professional career in modern music. DIME’s programs are designed to build strong musical foundations that will lead to long and sustained careers in the music industry, alongside gaining an academic qualification.

Please join us on Saturday, June 22nd from 10am-12pm for our Faculty Fair! You will have the opportunity to meet with staff and instructors, see a presentation about DIME and tour the building. Snacks and coffee/tea will be provided! RSVP here: 

RSVP

 

DIME partners with Metropolitan State University of Denver to offer the following programs:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Music: Commercial Music Performance (Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Music: Commercial Songwriting
  • Bachelor of Arts in Music: Music Industry Studies
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Music Faculty

We are seeking qualified applicants to teach classes in commercial music performance, musicology, music theory, and songwriting, and/or music industry studies.

Required Qualifications: Master’s degree in music, or bachelor’s degree in music plus significant local recognition as a commercial musician, commercial performer, songwriter, or music industry entrepreneur.

Preferred Qualifications: ABD or Master’s Degree in music plus significant local recognition as a commercial musician, commercial performer, songwriter, or music industry entrepreneur. College teaching experience with demonstrated effectiveness in undergraduate teaching is also preferred

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How to Apply

Qualified applicants will be placed in the departmental pool and will be considered for adjunct/part-time employment as needs arise.  If you are interested in becoming a part of our team, we would love to meet you and give you more information about our program.  If you are unavailable to join us at our Faculty Fair on Saturday, June 22nd, please call 313-223-1600 and speak to the MSU Denver at DIME Campus Manager, DeAnna Johnson. You can also email DeAnna at  djohn279@msudenver.edu.

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DIME Detroit Summer Program: June 24th – 28th

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Our summer programs are for ages 12-18 with some experience necessary. Students learn a song each day on guitar, bass, drums, or vocals, and then perform for friends and family at our venue!

June 24th-28th 2019
10am - 4pm each day
 
For more information or to register, visit our Summer Programs page. 

 

Detroit Electronic Music Camp (DEMC) May 19th – 25th

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Workshops every afternoon & evening featuring DJs and electronic music professionals - Free entry (Submerge/DIME)

The DEMC (Detroit Electronic Music Camp) is a week long series of comprehensive DJ and electronic music workshops with master classes hosted by Spin Inc. DJ School, in collaboration with The Loft Music Academy DJ School (Chile), and DIME - Detroit (Detroit Institute of Music Education). From May 19th-25th 2019, these in-depth workshops will bring the world’s finest DJs and producers together to share their expertise with the next generation, and will expose locals and visitors alike to the rich cultural legacy of Detroit’s electronic music. Our programming consists of top-of-the-line equipment from our sponsored presenters, and will lay the foundation for an upcoming school in Midtown and the expansion of our program at DSA Detroit School Of Arts High School.

From May 19th-25th 2019:

Sun, 19 May 2019 (@Submerge) (5p-10p): Featuring John Collins (UR), Mark Flash (UR), Mike Fotias (Audio Rescue Team) and Scott “Go-Go” Gordon (Red Bull Radio). To register: https://bit.ly/2vfcOsl

Mon, 20 May 2019 (@Dime-Detroit) (5p-9p): Featuring Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale, Venice Sessions, Seraphine Collective, and guests. To register: https://bit.ly/2KRdMFM

Tues, 21 May 2019 (@Dime-Detroit) (6p-9p): Featuring a Native Instruments, Traktor and Maschine workshop. To register: https://bit.ly/2Vjyd24

Wed, 22 May 2019 (@Dime-Detroit) (6p-9p): Featuring an interactive Melodics workshop. To register: https://bit.ly/2GpWr1f

Thur, 23 May 2019 (@Dime-Detroit) (6p-10p): Featuring an Ableton Educators Workshop. To register: https://bit.ly/2Uutq9J

Fri, 24 May 2019 (@Dime-Detroit) (3p-11p): Featuring Detroit Loop Sessions and Detroit Producer Showcase. To register: https://bit.ly/2VdSrdB

Sat, 25 May 2019 Part. 1 (@Dime-Detroit) (3:30p-5p): Featuring an exciting Turntablist Seminar. To register: https://bit.ly/2KSvjxC

Sat, 25 May 2019 Part. 2 (@Dime-Detroit) (5:30p-7:30p): Featuring an Allen & Heath Workshop. To register: https://bit.ly/2Zp4Fzv

This series of workshops will be followed by the Chilli Fries and Cheesesteaks DEMC Afterparty w/ DJ Cash Money.

The DEMC is open to the public, free to attend, and designed for all ages.
DIME - 1265 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226
Submerge - 3000 E Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202
Visit Spin Inc. website: https://spinincdetroit.com/