Today we’d like to introduce you to Debra L. Perry.
Hi Debra L., we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my musical career at age 6 from the influence of my mother, Alma James Perry. She always said that I would do great things in music. From my youth and coming from a musical family, I mastered 10 instruments including drums, bass guitar, organ, piano, clarinet, and saxophone. Over the years I fostered my gifts which enable me to have a multi-faceted career which includes education, entrepreneurship, music industry, and community involvement.
I got to where I am today from the support of my family, the Perry and James Family, which continued to support my musical growth. Also my music mentors, Dr. Anton Armstrong, Dr. James & Dr. Charsie Sawyer, Duane & Kaye Davis.
I am in the 31st year teaching music in Grand Rapids Public Schools. When I retire I will continue to instill in others the musical knowledge and motivation to help others grow.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I battled with self esteem for many years, which kept me from taking risks. I was missing the drive and work ethic needed to propell myself in accomplishing my goals. I assumed that my talent alone could get me by, but hard work and preparation is what strengthens your musicianship.
Working in the music industry, I certainly had to learn to not only work hard but trust my self that I could achieve whatever I set my mind to. I now encourage young musicians to believe in themselves so they could be successful in their endeavors.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a music educator of 31 years with Grand Rapids Public Schools. I obtained a BA in Music Education from Calvin University and an MA in Music Education from Western Michigan University, and an MA in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University (GVSU). I will be retiring at the end of the school year. I will still be mentoring young people in fine arts.
I was a recipient of numerous awards including the distinguished Ethel Coe Giant’s Award and the Malinda P. Sapp award. Most recently I received the Harlem Renaissance Culture Architect Award for service to my community through my business Joint Heir Music Studios. I was recently nominated for the Michigan Broadway World awards for musical director in The color Purple at Civic Theatre, and Dreamgirls at Circle Theatre.
My musical outreach also includes continued work with Grand Rapids Circle Theatre, Civic Theatre, and serving as the assistant musical director of Music at New Hope Baptist Church in Grand Rapids.
I have a long-lasting connection to the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) since 1995 and I serve on the National Music Selection Committee. I also facilitated a music workshop this past summer in Tokyo Japan along with my group Majestic Praise.
I recorded and produced 3 albums with Majestic Praise. In 2017 the third project “Conqueror” has already reached notable acclaim with the moving testimonial, “Beautiful Song”, which was also presented at the Gospel Music Workshop 2019 in Washington DC. Majestic Praise was nominated for West Michigan’s Jammie Awards for the “Conqueror” Album.
Majestic Praise returned in 2020 with the single and video “I’ll Bless The Lord” , which was also featured during the 2021 Grand Rapids Symphony’s Celebration of Soul.
This past August I was invited to teach a gospel workshop in Tokyo Japan in which Majestic Praise was the guest artitst. The BBC filmed a documentary . It was truly a life changing experience.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Podcast
And the Writer Is- Ross Golan
Questlove
App- Joyce Meyer
Pricing:
- Standard rates ate $60.00 per hour for recording, mixing, and mastering.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jointheirmusic.com
- Instagram: debraperryjointheir
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/debra.l.perry
