DIME Student Show: Friday, May 17th

Posted 24th April 2019 by by Elise Mccoy

It's that time of year again! Our students work hard throughout the school year to hone their craft, learning cover songs and writing original music along the way. Check out current student and alumni drummers, bassists, guitarists, vocalists, songwriters, and music entrepreneurs as they put on our biggest show of the year in The Underground @ DIME!

If you are considering attending DIME in the future, attending this show is a great way to learn about our BA programs in partnership with MSU Denver, as well as our short courses and summer programs for high school students.

Friday May 17th | 7pm
All Ages, Free show - a gift to our scholarship fund is encouraged!
1265 Griswold, Detroit, MI 48226

Instructor Spotlight: Carmen Woodruff (Vocals)

Posted 15th April 2019 by by Jessica Hamlin

In preparation for Night of Vocals: Collaborations we spoke with Carmen Woodruff, one of our newest voice instructors! Carmen discussed her life before she joined us and how music has played an integral role. Check out our conversation below and come to the show Friday, April 19th starting at 7pm in The Underground.

Tell us about your background; how did you get started working in the music industry? What inspired you to work in music?

I’ve always had a passion for music. I credit West Bloomfield Public Schools here in Michigan and the Metro Detroit community. I was able to perform, record and share the stage with many local and national artists beginning at an early age. I remember being onstage with Motown’s Martha Reeves and the Vandellas at the age of 17 and that’s what really marked the moment for me when I knew that I wanted to be a singer. Martha Reeves treated me so well and took me under her wing from that point on and we are still in touch to this day.

I was also introduced to jazz music at an early age and granted the incredible opportunity to perform at the Detroit Jazz festival with an all-women’s ensemble consisting of Straight Ahead and Ursula Walker. All of us young women were paired with a mentor in jazz who represented our instrument/area of study (Sunny Wilkinson’s Sisters in Jazz program). My start is rooted in Detroit and for that I am grateful. I appreciate my parents too because they took notice of my interest in music and enrolled me in piano lessons when I was three years old. That moved into flute and ultimately vocal music.

One of the biggest honors of my lifetime will take place next week when I am inducted into West Bloomfield High School’s inaugural Fine Arts Wall of Fame. I’m excited to be back home in Michigan after being away for 20 years and to celebrate the evening with friends, family, educators and administrators who were by my side as a young person pursuing music and the arts. I hope to one day have the same special impact on my students.

What do you do when you’re not working at DIME?

When I’m not at DIME, I work in media and communications. My first degree was earned in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition to my musical and performance endeavors, I always strive to keep that side of myself active, whether it may be working as a consultant, writing, fundraising or marketing/publicizing an organization or client. I also teach private contemporary voice lessons online and in-person domestically and abroad. Remaining active in professional organizations is important to me as well.

I just recently had an exciting gig at the University of Michigan. I provided the music along with my colleague Lamar Willis and Miss Michigan 2018, Emily Sioma, served as the keynote speaker. I’m also working to present my one-woman-show in tribute to Ella Fitzgerald to the city of Detroit, which has just been approved for performance next year. For inspiration, I’ve been taking classes at Go Comedy! Improv Theatre and dabbling in the world of social media with some “Jazzy Pop-Up” performances on Facebook and Instagram.

What is your favorite class to teach at DIME?

I’ve had a blast teaching Artist Inquiry II alongside DIME Instructor Cory Allen. It’s very interesting to me how the students are able to channel the historical significance of the time period into each song they’re assigned to perform each week. I’ve watched them grow leaps and bounds just within a few weeks and even between the start and finish of each class period. Music history is absolutely essential for everyone to learn, especially up and coming musicians.

The songs our students are learning serve as the soundtrack throughout those monumental moments in history, which shaped our culture and brought us to where we stand today. It’s fascinating how history repeats itself and how many events are surfacing again in 2019. What can we learn from the past and how can we apply those lessons? We’re currently working through the 70s and 80s when rock and roll signified protest, freedom, independence and self-actualization. The students never cease to amaze me with their talents and interpretations.

What has been your proudest moment as a DIME Instructor?

I’m a new DIME Instructor but I’m really looking forward to collaborating with the second year singers and friends, including Aron Bell from admissions at the Vocal Showcase on Friday, April 19. It has been a gift to work with the second year students in Artist Inquiry and I can’t wait to put all of their hard work into action in real time!

Who are your biggest musical inspirations?

Natalie Cole, Beegie Adair, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Oscar Peterson, Mel Torme, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Israel Houghton, Kari Jobe, Smokie Norful, Michael Buble, John Mayer

What are you listening to right now? Do you have any recommendations we should check out?

Right now, I’m listening to the Oscar Peterson and Beegie Adair on streaming radio. I love instrumental music, especially when I am working or driving and encourage all singers to spend time exploring instrumentalists. I believe anyone can enjoy some good piano music when working behind a desk or on the run. It makes the day more colorful and less mundane!

For more information about Carmen:

Website | Facebook | Youtube | Reverb Nation | Instagram

D’Addario Live Presents Plini & Mestis Masterclass

Posted 10th April 2019 by by Aron Bell

On Tuesday, April 9^th, D’Addario Live and DIME held a masterclass with Plini, who was named the best prog guitarist of 2017 by Music Radar, and Mestis – which is fronted by Javier Reyes of Animals as Leaders. The groups discussed their songwriting process, gear, and creative influences, and performed original material for DIME students and guests.

DIME is proud to partner with the leading manufacturer of instrument strings and accessories, D'Addario, who was onsite with plenty of giveaways for students and guests.

DIME featured in Billboard’s Top Music Business Schools 2019

Posted 27th March 2019 by by Elise Mccoy

We are happy to announce that Billboard has featured DIME in their list of Top Music Business Schools of 2019!

Highlighting our directors, Kevin Nixon and Sarah Clayman, as well as our Head of Songwriting, Antea Birchett, who co-wrote “Gone Away” on the self-titled debut album from H.E.R., which won the Grammy Award for R&B album of the year in February, this article puts DIME students front-and-center for future careers and opportunities in the music industry.

Flip through the print version below, or view the online article on Billboard's website, here:
BILLBOARD TOP MUSIC BUSINESS SCHOOLS 2019

Student Spotlight: Year 3 Songwriting Student George Wilson

Posted 20th March 2019 by by Allye Gaietto

As a Junior in the Commercial Songwriting Department, George Wilson is over halfway done with his degree, and we couldn’t be more excited to see what the future holds for him. We got the chance to ask George a few questions leading into this week’s Live & Lyrical Songwriter Showcase.

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

My background in music education before DIME was in my elementary, middle, and high-school’s music program. I played 4 years of trumpet and 1 year of baritone horn from 10 – 14. Those years helped me gain theory knowledge and train my ear — ultimately making it easier to learn guitar and bass when I picked it up at age 15.

I came to DIME at a recommendation from an old friend, around October of 2015. I had just finished by Associate’s Degree from Oakland Community College and was considering my options on my path from there. I had a deep realization that music made me the happiest, and I realized that I wanted to pursue a music career.

Who are some of your musical influences?

My current musical influences are Hiatus Kaiyote, Allen Stone, and some Stevie Wonder. I’ve also been getting into Jorja Smith lately.

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

I plan to play some of my originals on acoustic guitar. “Bonafide” is the title of one of those songs. I just wrote “Bonafide” in the scheme of work for my Advanced Songwriting course.

How has your experience at DIME impacted your songwriting?

My time at DIME has given me context on songwriting, through the songs we analyze in the curriculum and the projects we take on in the weekly assignments. I have tried new approaches, leading to new songs I never would have written if not for being here.

You are currently working on a public blog about your songwriting process for a class here at DIME. What has it been like to explore your songwriting process in-depth? How has the project gone for you so far?

The process of examining my songwriting in-depth via my public blog has been very insightful. Everything feels magnified in the process, related to and outside of songwriting – and really, it’s all connected. Life that isn’t musical (at first) can be informing to the parts of my life that involve music, and vice-versa. I am glad I have had some time and space to examine myself. So far, I feel better for it. I would recommend it to any songwriter out there.

Do you have any upcoming shows or projects you’d like us to plug (other than the showcase)?

As far as shows and upcoming projects, I don’t have anything major on the books. I am currently working on my branding and writing — leading up to some eventual releases, hopefully.

Where do you see yourself after graduation?

After graduation, I aim to continue to fulfill my artistry, as an artist who writes and performs his own work. I really would like to spend time with the information I gathered, and make some plans according to my goals, creatively and business-wise. Goals include releasing music, performing, and having videos around my music.

What advice would you give to someone that’s considering studying at DIME Detroit?

If you are going to DIME, prepare to be challenged, but also to have fun. Be ready to soak up all that you can. Talk to everyone – you never know who’s out there. Importantly, beforehand, do inventory on your dreams, passions, and what you want for yourself. That will hopefully give you a guiding post and direction when you step into the program here – there are so many parts of the industry and having clear goals will prove beneficial.

Make sure to hear George perform “Bonafide” and catch other student, staff, and faculty performances at Live & Lyrical: A Songwriter Showcase on Friday, March 22. Doors at 7PM; free and open to the public.

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Our next semester begins on August 19 2019. 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

Instructor Spotlight: Dave Leve

Posted 19th March 2019 by by Edward Strong

This week’s featured instructor is Dave Leve. Dave joined DIME in Fall 2018 and teachers classes in Music Theory, Music Industry Studies, and Songwriting.

Tell us about your background; how did you get started working in the music industry? What inspired you to work in music?

I was always driven towards music whether it was my father playing various rock songs on the piano or my grandmother taking me to DSO concerts. I started out just making short improvised pieces on the piano when I was 10 years old and that led to being involved in music throughout my education. I sang in 2nd grade, played the recorder in 3rd, violin in 4th, saxophone in 5th, and then switched to percussion in 6th where I did everything from the marching band to jazz band to just having the stereotypical rock band in high school. I ended up becoming interested in composition and songwriting my junior year of high school and focused on it completely for both my undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and graduate school at the Longy School of Music doing some conducting along the way. During my education I became enamored with music genres and that led me to pick up DJing as well as just making mashups of various songs. The technology aspect let me to pick up sound engineering and production techniques as well as how the business and marketing side of the music industry worked. Ultimately, I became a jack of all things music and can easily recite the history of Beethoven as well as Juice WRLD, all while conducting jazz bands and making trance remixes.

What do you do when you’re not working at DIME?

Besides teaching, I also run a YouTube channel (Ma3stro Studios) where I analyze pop songs as well as review albums that chart on the classical, jazz, rock, R&B/hip-hop, dance/electronic, and pop charts. I originally started doing it just for fun but it’s led to a small source of income so I’ve kept it up and am constantly releasing new content on a weekly basis. In addition, I also work as a artist/DJ (under the stage name “Ma3stro”), producer, sound engineer, composer, conductor, and (oddly enough) a piano tuner & technician.

What is your favorite class to teach at DIME?

It’s very hard to pick a favorite class to teach as I’ve had such a good time teaching in the various departments. Repertoire & Hit Song Analysis in the Music Industry Studies department capitalizes on my passion for the pop music industry and sharing that knowledge with the students is always fun as it sparks wonderful discussions. My music theory classes always bring me joy as I see lights go off above the students’ heads when they realize just how their favorite Ariana Grande song works and how it relates to concepts laid out in the Baroque Period of music. I may be bias, but as one of the songwriting instructors, my best memories are when I taught Notation & Chart Writing. Being able to show the students how to take what it is in their head and put onto a physical medium is always a spectacle as it reminds me of the same inspirations I had when I was in their shoes.

What has been your proudest moment as a DIME Instructor?

Recently in one of my music theory classes, a student had approached me. He said that he;d been struggling with music theory for quite some time now but that after taking just a few classes with that he had begun to understand concepts that had eluded him for three years. It put a big smile on my face knowing that music theory would no longer be a barrier for his creativity and success as a musician.

Who are your biggest musical inspirations?

It’s tough to really say as I listen to so much in any given amount of time. Marshmello is always a good time, big fan of Kamasi Washington, huge Kendrick Lamar fan, can never go wrong with Queen, and Halsey has always been a bit of a guilty pleasure. But if I had to pick just one artist, it always is and always will be George Gershwin. I firmly believe he was the most recent musicker of any kind that successfully combined every genre of music in onework(during his time, that would’ve been classical, jazz, and pop). As someone who is always with the history and relevance of music, Gershwin is always who I admire and who I believe is the best musician overall in music. It’s a lofty opinion but his music is something that has remained a constant in my life.

What are you listening to right now? Do you have any recommendations we should check out?

I actually have a lot on my plate currently. Dream Theater has released their next album Distance over Time along with Gary Clark Jr.’s This Land. Julian Lage, Norman Brown, and Keiko Matsui have all released Love Hurts, TheHighest Act of Love, and Echo, respectively. The Boston Symphony Orchestra’s trilogy of their Dmitri Shostakovich: Under Stalin’s Shadow is now all out with them having done Shostakovich’s 6th and 7th symphonies alongside his Incidental Music to “King Lear” and Festive Overture. There’s also Kehlani’s While We Wait, Lil Pump’sHarvard Dropout that has the Kanye West collab on it, Offset’s album FATHER OF 4 (so now that’s all the Migos with solo albums), and Gunna’s debut studio album (and sequel to his EP) Drip or Drown 2. So it’ll be a little bit of everything from me but in terms of an actual recommendation I’d send you to “What’s Up Danger” from theSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack. Just the right amount of intensity and Blackway & Black Caviar do a great job making it an anthem for any superhero-minded individual (or just simply making your workout go better).

Student Spotlight: Year 1 Songwriting Student Violet is Blooming at DIME

Posted 8th March 2019 by by Allye Gaietto

Year 1 Commercial Songwriting student Violet is in her second semester here at DIME, and is already making waves with her grunge-inspired music. We asked her a few questions about her experiences as a songwriter, bandleader, and student in advance of her performance at our Live & Lyrical showcase, coming up on March 22.

What is your background and music education? What brought you to DIME?
I haven’t had any formal training or lessons. I taught myself to play guitar and sing. My first time singing and playing in front of someone besides my parents was when I auditioned for DIME. I certainly got a late start, but I’m not letting it hold me back. I came here because music is the only thing I like enough to go to school for it.

Who are some of your musical influences?
I have always been heavily influenced by grunge music, Radiohead and Elliot Smith. Recently I have been inspired by more modern bands/artists like Big Thief, HOMESHAKE, Timber Timbre and Beach House.

What can we expect to see from you at the Live & Lyrical Showcase?
Just me, an electric guitar, and my voice. The lyrics for the song, called “Sunspot”, are very special to me, and I hope to convey their meaning through a raw and intimate performance.

You often perform your original music with a backing band as Violet Viper and the Vertebrae. What has your experience been like as a bandleader and working with your fellow DIME students to arrange your songs?
Forming a band has been exciting, stressful, and rewarding, as well as one of the biggest learning experiences I have ever had. I’ve never played with other musicians before coming to DIME, and I am so lucky to have the bandmates that I do, and that I can call them my friends as well. Their intellectual input and developed skills have encouraged me to grow and improve as an overall musician. They make me better. I’m proud of what we’ve written in the past few months, and extremely optimistic for what the future holds.

How has your first year at DIME impacted your songwriting?
The education I’ve received just this first year has allowed me to combine technical skills and techniques that I otherwise may have never learned and weave them with my raw songwriting style. With the teaching I’ve received, I’ve been writing music that I’m proud of. My songs are still me, just more thought-out from new and different angles and perspectives.

Do you have any upcoming gigs outside of DIME?
Catch my band playing at Peacefest at LA Cafe in Waterford, MI June 8th!

Where do you see yourself after graduation?
Traveling to a far away country and hiding away in a cabin to be alone and write music.

What advice would you give to someone that’s considering studying at DIME Detroit?
Do it. Prepare for a lot of clichés in the following statement: It doesn’t matter what anyone else tells you, it matters what you feel. Go with your gut and follow your dream because in the end it is YOUR life and your choice. You will never know unless you try.

Make sure to catch Violet at the Live & Lyrical Showcase on Friday, March 22! More information can be found on the Facebook Event Page.

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Our next semester begins on August 19 2019. 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

Instructor Spotlight: Nate Dorough

Posted 5th March 2019 by by Elise Mccoy

As a talent buyer and founder of Fusion Shows and talent buyer for The Crofoot Presents, Nate Dorough brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the classroom for aspiring music entrepreneurs. We look forward to hearing from him and Dan McGowan (Owner, The Crofoot) at their Detroit Success Stories masterclass this Friday, March 8th from 1-3pm in The Underground!

Tell us about your background; how did you get started working in the music industry? What inspired you to work in music?
This is a very, very long story. I started as an RA in college at a small school, booking “concerts” as they required two events per semester. Half of campus showed up to a couple of pretty terrible shows, but you could say I caught the bug then. I’ve always loved going to shows, but never realized there was an economy besides the major corporations. I just did it punk-rock style for years, made a ton of mistakes, and eventually honed my craft.

What do you do when you’re not working at DIME?
I book shows! Lots of em. 300-400 per year. I’m a talent buyer for Fusion Shows (and founder) and The Crofoot Presents. And I’ve been married for 14+ years to my favorite person, and have a three year old daughter, my other favorite person.

What is your favorite class to teach at DIME?
I only teach one (Establishing an Artist) so this one’s not a fair question to answer just yet!

What has been your proudest moment as a DIME Instructor?
There hasn’t been a ton just yet. Just making it to class, the way the weather’s been this semester, has been a prideful moment each time it happens. I just like when something clicks with a student in class, when you can see the light bulb go on.

Who are your biggest musical inspirations?
I grew up a child of the grunge era. I used to stack pillows and blankets on the floor and “stage dive” off the couch to Nirvana’s “Lithium” music video on MTV. Favorite acts include Nirvana, Our Lady Peace, Stone Temple Pilots, Thrice, Jason Isbell, and Tupac Shakur.

What are you listening to right now? Do you have any recommendations we should check out?
I’m listening to a mostly 90s playlist on Spotify, at the moment. I also manage Shortly, a Detroit indie/emo artist, so I’d say check her out, along with some of my other favorite locals, including Michigander, Joe Hertler, Olivia Millerschin, Flint Eastwood, Tunde Olaniran. That list is endless. New records I love include mewithoutYou‘s latest, The Beths, Ratboys, Now Now, Boygenius, Foxing, and Drug Church. Actually, those are all 2018. I honestly have kind of tuned out a little in 2019, but I need to change that!

Detroit Success Stories: The Crofoot, Fusion Shows – Friday, March 8th

Posted 5th March 2019 by by Elise Mccoy

Join us Friday, March 8th for a Masterclass from Dan McGowan and Nate Dorough!

Dan and Nate have spent decades at the forefront of this region’s live music scene, booking and promoting shows at club, theatre, and festival level. Their passion, vision, and DIY philosophy has enabled them to create one of the most forward-thinking and fan-friendly concert promotions companies in the world. The Crofoot Presents is Southeast Michigan’s most dynamic independent event promotion company. Each year, The Crofoot and affiliated companies produce more than 750 live events, including concerts, festivals, and more. Dan and Nate will be joining Stephanie Belcher (DIME’s Music Industry Studies Area Coordinator) to discuss their careers, how they built their businesses, and how the identify and nurture local talent. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from these key influencers in the regional live music sector!

This is a free event and open to the public!

Student Spotlight: Donnie Clark (Guitar)

Posted 25th February 2019 by by Elise Mccoy

We asked year 3 guitarist, Donnie Clark, to answer a few questions for us as we gear up for DON’T TURN DOWN: Guitar & Bass Show this Wednesday, February 27th at 7pm!

What is your background in music and education? When did you start studying at DIME Detroit?
My father influenced me to start playing guitar when I was 7 years old. From there, I was mostly self taught and practiced every day. My brother, RJ, is a lead singer and the two of us formed our first band when I was 11. We had many original songs and played many gigs until we disbanded a few years later. After playing in different groups and writing my own music for the next 4 years, my brother and I formed our most recent band Cicrus in 2015. I enrolled at DIME in 2016 because I knew it was time to gain some professional guidance to further my knowledge of music, performance, and business.
What are some of your musical influences?
My main musical influences are Marillion, King Crimson, Yes, Judas Priest, and Genesis. However, my biggest influence for guitar is Scott Henderson.

You are scheduled to perform at DIME DETROIT’s DON’T TURN DOWN: Guitar & Bass Show on Wednesday February 27^th. What can we expect to see?
This Wednesday, you can expect to see a wide variety of amazing improvisational music ranging from jazz, blues, to heavy metal. There will be a perfect mixture of technicality and pure beauty.

Are you working on releasing any upcoming projects?
My band, Cicrus, is working on releasing our first, 6 song EP. Our music is a mixture of rock n’ roll and jazz fusion.

How has DIME DETROIT shaped you as a guitarist?
Dime has turned me into a very fluent guitarist. I have learned how to understand deep harmony and and how to approach music as an improviser. Dime has also taught me how to compliment lead singers and other musicians in a tasteful manner. The most important lesson I have learned from Dime is that context is everything. There are no specific rules that apply to all genres and all musical situations. You must have the ability to adapt to your current environment and serve the music’s interests before your own.
Where do you see yourself post-graduation?
Post-graduation, I see myself becoming very successful in my band Cicrus. I also see myself as a teacher and future session guitarist.

What advice would you give to someone that’s considering studying at DIME Detroit?
The advice I would give to someone who’s planning on attending DIME is to always deeply study the music that you are going to perform. Also, treat your rehearsals like you are showing up to a gig. Always show up knowing the music as well as you know your favorite songs and you will be successful!