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dB's L.I.V.E.
Where young musicians learn to play, write, record music, perform on stage & believe in themselves as musicians.
As a 4-time Grammy Nominee, Deb Barber brings authentic music industry experience to her students. Deb received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from the University of Michigan. During her early career Deb displayed her abilities as a consummate percussionist. However, she also excelled in stringed instruments and vocals. Deb taught marching band, percussion ensembles, and started her own drum studio.
After graduating, Deb began a successful career as a musical artist. She sang lead and wrote originals as she played with many bands such as The Country Star Lighters, Midnight Fantasy, and Spectacle. With the group White Light, Deb toured throughout the Midwest, co-writing and performing the group's songs. In 2005, she released her acclaimed CD, "The Best of Life." See more about Deb's musical career at www.debbarbermusic.com.
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Deb returned to Lapeer for family reasons, and decided to pass her gift of music to the youth of Lapeer when she opened dB's L.I.V.E. in 2013. Her deep commitment to her students is founded in her longstanding belief in the premise that the energy you put forth is what you get back.
Deb
Barber
Why dB's L.I.V.E.?
"Kids need to believe in themselves first and foremost. When the belief system is in place, the sky is the limit. I don't teach straight out of a book. I will occasionally use books, but my main focus is finding what will get the student excited to learn and go down that path." - Deb Barber
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Private Lessons: Vocals, Percussion, Drums, Guitar (Acoustic & Electric), Brass Instruments, Woodwinds, String Instruments
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Group Lessons: Drumline (Grades 1-5), Winter Drumline for high school, band coach, band instruments
Lessons
Students at dB's L.I.V.E. get much more than just a lesson in their chosen instrument or vocal ability. Students also receive relevant training in many areas of the music industry. Some of these include tapping into their creative side, song writing, collaborating with other musicians, ear training, studio recording, managing & using sound equipment, performance technique, and much more.
Deb passes on knowledge from her own career and experience to her students, because she believes the future lies within them.
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Experience
dB's L.I.V.E. offers a non-competitive environment to learn and perform, where students thrive with the support of Deb, parents & other musicians. None of the many programs & performance opportunities are structured to foster competition between students. In contrast, there is an extremely cooperative spirit among the dB's "Village", in which students and parents find happiness in the success of others. Deb's commitment to getting each student to believe in his or herself, combined with this supportive environment, has in many cases, changed the lives of kids who previously were bullied, ostracized, or just didn't feel they belonged.
Supportive Environment
One of the biggest things that differentiates dB's L.I.V.E. from other schools, is the commitment Deb has to each individual student. Although the student may be there for lessons on musical technique, Deb also takes an active interest in helping the student to contemplate and define their individual path. She does not separate the music from the individual. Rather she recognizes that each student's musical path is inherently connected to who they are and who they want to be. This often leads to lessons that have impact on many areas of the student's life and future, including commitment, leadership, initiative, & self esteem.
Commitment to the Student's future
A significant benefit that dB's L.I.V.E. offers is the ability for many committed students to perform in one of the dB's L.I.V.E. Student Showcases or other venues set up by Deb. This allows students of all ages to gain performance experience in a safe & supportive environment. The sense of accomplishment students receive by performing for an audience and the subsequent feedback they receive often leads to a boost in their self esteem and self confidence. In addition to many accomplished individual performers, Deb currently has eight student bands covering many age groups & music genres. Stay tuned for the up & coming Pre school band that is in the works!!
Performance Experience
The dB's L.I.V.E. "Village" is made up of our students, parents, families & friends. The love of music and family are two of the biggest unifying factors that make our Village so strong. It is through harnessing the energy and commitment of our Village members, that we are able to create new and unique opportunities for our students, performers & bands. On many occasions, we get to witness how music can be the common thread that brings families together, working toward a common goal.
It Takes a Village
Student performers gain first hand knowledge of how music can provide the opportunity to give back to the local community. Our performers and bands frequently play for events sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce as well as other community events.
Past events include: Lapeer Days Festival, Project Graduation, Flint Water Benefit, Metamora Days, Lost in the Woods Music Festival, Lost in the Woods Suicide Awareness Benefit, Relay for Life, LHS Job Fair, Food Truck Fest and many more...
Community Involvement
Since Deb's successful teaching method relies heavily on getting students to believe in themselves, acknowledging their accomplishments and recognizing their achievements are key factors to this success. In addition to individual, one-on-one recognition, dB's L.I.V.E. celebrates the accomplishments of the students through a variety of avenues. There are bulletin boards displayed in the studio which feature the varied accomplishments of our students, as well as a "Student Spotlight" page on this website to do the same. One regularly anticipated event, is our bi-annual "dB's L.I.V.E. Awards" show. In Grammy show format, audience members are treated to performances from many of our students & bands, and awards are granted to students and bands with outstanding accomplishments.
Student Recognition
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