Allen Stone Masterclass Recap!

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Allen Stone Visits DIME Detroit!

On November 29th, we had the pleasure of hosting a masterclass with R&B / soul artist, Allen Stone, who was in Detroit for a show at the Majestic Café the night before. Stone performed two songs acoustically for students and guests and participated in a Q&A with DIME’s Head of Vocals, DeAnna Johnson. He also advised the aspiring musicians on how to navigate the music business and what life is like as a touring artist, as well as his experiences as a celebrity mentor on the latest season of American Idol, where he mentored two of the top 15 contestants.

Drawing inspiration from Motown artists like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, Stone is an exceptional addition to the DIME master class roster as, like many students at DIME, he is entirely self-taught. As a thank you for his invaluable guidance in the music industry, DIME alumni Ali Wiercioch and Jimmy Showers surprised Stone with their own rendition of his cover of Bob Marley’s “Is This Love.”

Stone recently completed a 40+ show national tour, and is set to hit the road again in summer of 2019 as he performs live with Train and Goo Goo Dolls. He is currently finishing up his new album, set to be released next year.

Check out the video below of Allen Stone performing "Taste of You" for students and guests in The Underground at DIME.

For more information about Allen Stone's upcoming album and tour dates, visit allenstone.com 

For more information about MSU Denver at DIME programs in Commercial Music Performance, Commercial Songwriting and Music Industry Studies, visit us at www.dime-detroit.com.

New Merch + Hoodie Giveaway!

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Just in time for the holidays – DIME has new merch! A cozy “Make Music Your Life” hoodie, a super-stylish Carhartt beanie, and our new “Make Music Your Life” T-Shirt design. Browse the items on our webstore here:

Shop Now

Also, we are GIVING AWAY a hoodie, and the lucky winner will be announced on Friday, December 21st at 12pm EST. Enter here:

Enter to Win!
MMYL TShirt
MYM HOODIE
DIME Carhartt Beanie

 

DIME Detroit’s Student Show!

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Don’t miss DIME Detroit’s Student show on Friday, December 14th at The Underground @ DIME!

Our students have prepared a selection of original and cover songs to perform for friends, family, and guests. If you are interested in learning more about what we have to offer at DIME, this event is a MUST SEE!

Friday, December 14th @ 7pm
1265 Griswold St.
Detroit, MI 48226

ALL AGES / FREE SHOW! 

 

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Allen Stone Masterclass & Ticket Giveaway

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Soul /R&B artist Allen Stone will join students and guests at DIME Detroit on Thursday November 29th for a masterclass at 12:45pm!

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Allen Stone proves himself deeply devoted to making uncompromisingly soulful music that transcends all pop convention. His vocals and melodic style show the clear influence of classic soul and R&B of the 1960s and ’70s, while his lyrics reveal an idealism and passion that recall the folk-inspired singer/songwriters of the same era.

Born in Chewelah Washington, Stone started discovering those vocals as a kid, thanks largely to his parents’ influence. “My father was a minister so I spent about half my childhood in church, watching my mom and dad sing together and lead the congregation in song,” he recalls. By the time he was 11 he’d picked up a guitar and written his first song, and soon began self-recording demo tapes to pass along to classmates. Although Stone enrolled in Bible College after highschool, he quickly dropped out to move to Seattle and kick start his music career. “I had an ’87 Buick and I’d drive up and down the west coast, playing any gig I could get just to try to put my music out there,” he says.

Check out Allen Stone’s “Brown Eyed Girl” below! 

In 2010, Stone recorded an album called Last to Speak that he released digitally through his own Stickystones label. A second album, simply titled Allen Stone, followed in the fall of 2011, and quickly became an independent success story. Online sales took the album to the top of the online charts, and it placed on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart, all without a formal distribution deal. The artist-friendly ATO Records label signed Stone in 2012, and reissued his eponymous album in the summer of that year. He then signed to Capitol Records and worked extensively with fellow singer and songwriter Tingsek. The result, Radius, was released in May 2015.

Stone decided to return to ATO Records and released his latest album, Radius Deluxe. As the New York Times recently said Stone’s lyrics “promise honest sentiments, grooves built with physical instruments and a gospel-rooted determination to uplift … glimmers of Al Green, Bill Withers, Curtis Mayfield, George Clinton, Prince and a bit of Sting.”

Stone is currently working on his next album, which is set be released on ATO Records early next year.

We are so excited to welcome Allen Stone to DIME Detroit for an interview and Q&A with our students and guests!

Enter to win a pair of tickets to the Allen Stone show at The Majestic Theatre on Wednesday, November 28th! 

Enter to Win!

 

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Instructor Spotlight: Eric “Rain Man” Gaston (Drums)

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We sat down with Head of the Drum Department, Eric “Rain Man” Gaston to talk about what inspires him, his teaching at DIME and what’s made him proudest as an instructor.

Rain Man Drum Department

Rain Man and DIME Drum Department (3D!), 2015

What inspired you to start a career in music?

My inspiration comes from growing up in the church. I had front row access and inspiration from some of the world’s best players living right here in Detroit. From church to Motown to funk to jazz, Detroit’s legacy of musicians kept me inspired and always aspiring to be better.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

My nephew Alex “Buddy” Brown was my inspiration to teach. Helping to babysit him meant I was around him a lot. When he wasn’t playing with his toys, he was trying to grab Uncle Eric’s drumsticks. When I noticed his genuine interest, I began to teach him everything I knew. He had a natural God Given talent. Seeing his progress inspired me to teach him more and more. He is now a professional drummer with a successful career.

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Rain Man on tour!

What do you like about teaching at DIME?

DIME offers a unique and diverse environment that breeds creativity. From the amazing resumes of the staff to the cool, artistic decor and design, DIME is the place to be.

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

I’ve seen students turn their dreams into reality. I’ve seen high school graduates come and earn their bachelor’s degrees, drummers become songwriters,  and guitarists become proper frontmen for their band. I’ve watched singers form bands, business students close deals and get internships, countless students go on tours, record in studios, and perform at local and national levels. Most importantly I’ve seen amateurs become professionals and co-workers.

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

I have my own entertainment company (RME – Rain Man Entertainment) which provides stage and production management for various venues, artists, and organizations in Metro Detroit and across the country. I recently was honored to play drums for the official Aretha Franklin Tribute Concert in Detroit which was sold out and viewed by millions across the world. I also am a part of the last leg of the 24K Magic World Tour featuring Bruno Mars with special guest Charlie Wilson.

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Rain Man with DIME Directors, Kevin Nixon and Sarah Clayman at the 2017 Graduation Ceremony

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

One of my proudest moments as a teacher has to be graduation. It’s priceless to see my students receive the degrees that they’ve worked hard for and earned.

Anything else you want to add about your experience at DIME?

DIME has continued to provide students with a first class education and access to the music industry’s best. I’m honored to be a part of the DIME Family.

 

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DIME Detroit offers programs in Commercial Music Performance (Guitar, Bass, Drums, and Vocals), Commerical Songwriting, and Music Industry Studies. In partnership with Metropolitan State University of Denver, students at DIME Detroit can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Music on our innovative program. Our next semester starts on January 22, 2019! Find out more about all of our programs and how to apply by clicking below:

WHY DIME?

INDIVIDUAL CLASSES FOR CREDIT

HOW TO APPLY

3D Spirit Week Kicks off!!

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DIME Drum Department (3D) is showing their DIME spirit this week with 7-days of events including BACKBEAT: A Night of Drums, on Wednesday! 

3D Spirit Week FULL SCHEDULE

Over the weekend, our DIME Drummers helped to pack boxes of food that will feed over 14,000 people at Gleaners Community Food Bank in Detroit.

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This morning, drummers Chris Kaszuba and Dadreeon Underwood joined our Head of Drums, Eric “Rain Man” Gaston on WDIV’s Live in the D to give viewers a taste of what’s to come at BACKBEAT! Stay tuned for the video of their awesome performance!

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Don’t miss BACKBEAT: A Night of Drums, presented by 3D on Wednesday night:

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Make sure to stay locked in with all of our social media accounts to keep up with the events each day! INSTAGRAM: Follow @dime_detroit and @dime_drummers
FACEBOOK: /dimedetroit
TWITTER: @dime_detroit

For more information about programs in vocals, songwriting, guitar, bass, drums, or music industry studies, click here or get in touch with us today! 

Call 313-223-1600 or email info@dime-detroit.com 

We’re Hiring! Faculty Positions Opening at DIME for Spring 2019

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DIME and MSU Denver are looking for talented, passionate professionals to join our faculty for the Spring 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.

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

  • BA in Commerical Music Performance (Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals)
  • BA in Commercial Songwriting
  • BA in 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. Qualified applicants will be placed in the departmental pool and will be considered for adjunct/part-time employment as needs arise.  Please apply by following this link to the MSU Denver Faculty Job Pool.

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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General Education Faculty

We are also looking for faculty to teach the following General Education classes:

ART 1500 – Art and Visual Literacy. Please click here to access the post in the MSU Denver Faculty Job Pool.

THE 3213 – Staging Cultures– Theatre, Drama and Multiculturalism.Please email your résumé to the MSU Denver at DIME Campus Manager, DeAnna Johnson at djohn279@msudenver.edu.

How to Contact Us

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.  Please call 313-223-1600 to talk to the MSU Denver at DIME Campus Manager, DeAnna Johnson. You can also email DeAnna at  djohn279@msudenver.edu.  If you would like to book a tour of our Downtown campus, please call us to set up a time!

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Student Spotlight: Dalton Thomas (Drums)

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 Dalton began working towards his performance degree in drums at DIME Detroit, but was offered a full-time touring opportunity and switched to DIME ONLINE. Dalton is now employed full-time in the music industry. Check out his interview to learn more about his musical background, current performance opportunities, and his experience studying at both DIME Detroit and DIME ONLINE!  

 

 

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DIME Detroit offers programs in Commercial Music Performance (Guitar, Bass, Drums, and Vocals), Commerical Songwriting, and Music Industry Studies. In partnership with Metropolitan State University of Denver, students at DIME Detroit can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Music on our innovative program. Our next semester starts on January 22, 2019! Find out more about all of our programs and how to apply by clicking below:

WHY DIME?

INDIVIDUAL CLASSES FOR CREDIT

HOW TO APPLY

BACKBEAT: A Night of Drums – Wednesday, November 14

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Presented by DIME Drum Department (3D) and hosted by Rain Man, BACKBEAT: A Night of Drums will feature performances from DIME students, faculty, and alumni, as well as featured special guest: Buddy Brown!

Drummers, you don’t want to miss this opportunity to learn more about DIME from the legendary 3D (DIME Drum Department) themselves! BACKBEAT: A Night of Drums will be an event to remember.

More about DIME Detroit…

Our degree program offered in partnership with Metropolitan State University of Denver allows our students to study drums with industry professional faculty through the lens of current music. If you are interested in improving your ability playing rock, pop, funk, R&B, then look no further. With locations in Detroit and Denver, Colorado, DIME offers the MSU Denver at DIME bachelor’s degree programs as well as short courses, masterclasses, and events just like this one to help you network with top industry professionals and hone your craft.

Thanks to our sponsors at Evans, Promark, and Sabian who will also be providing giveaways for this event! 

RSVP on Facebook, here.

The UNDERGROUND @ DIME
1265 Griswold
Detroit, MI 48226

Wednesday, November 14th, doors at 7pm, no cover! 

Rolling Stone: Alessia Cara performs with DIME students!

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Alessia Cara at DIME in Rolling Stone

2018 Grammy-winning Best New Artist, singer/songwriter, Alessia Cara, visited DIME Detroit on October 5th to speak to students and talk about her highly-anticipated album, Growing Pains. Excitement ran high in The Underground as students and guests waited for the “Scars to Your Beautiful” and “Here” singer to arrive. The event kicked off with a screening of Alessia Cara’s music video for the title track of her upcoming album, “Growing Pains.”

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Interviewed by Metro Times Music Editor, Jerilyn Jordan, Alessia began the interview by explaining, “I started off like every other artist… aspiring to do this for a living, and kind of being told pretty much my whole life that it wasn’t something that was plausible or possible. Now that I’m on the other side of it, I think it’s so important to talk to a bunch of people that want to do the same thing, and give them any insight into how I got started, or any help that they might need.”

InverviewAuthenticity, honest songwriting, and independence were major themes of the interview. When discussing writing Growing Pains, Alessia explained, “On this album, I didn’t want to have to rely on anybody.”

“I think that when people see a young woman in the industry, it’s very difficult for them to think that you’re responsible for your own success, unfortunately.”  She continued, “That was frustrating and I wanted to prove that (I could do this), not only to myself but to everyone else that was saying that.”

DIME Detroit’s students had an opportunity to ask questions to the  and when discussing how best to get started in the music industry, Alessia encouraged the students, “I think the no’s are really helpful, even if it stings in the beginning…”

“It just takes one ‘yes’ that counts and that matters to get you where you need to be.” -Alessia Cara

 

Alessia was totally surprised to find out that DIME Detroit students had learned a few of her songs, and jumped up to perform “Here” with vocalist, Jamiliah Minter, along with Daedreeon Underwood on drums, Julia Shuren on keys, Donnie Clark on guitar, Donavan Moorehead on bass, and Devin Woodson and Sara Berger on background vocals. Check out the video below, or read the article on Rolling Stone!

DIME would like to thank Alessia Cara, Def Jam Recordings, and Universal Music Group for making this such an incredible experience for our students! 

Alessia Cara signing DIME wall

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information about programs in vocals, songwriting, guitar, bass, drums, or music industry studies, click here or get in touch with us today! 

Call 313-223-1600 or email info@dime-detroit.com