ABOUT

ZACHARY WATKINS | FOUNDER

A passion for music & art, and the dedication to help dreams become reality.

Founder of I SEE MELODY, Zach Watkins is an award winning recording artist and graphic/print designer. From elementary orchestra to high school symphonies and varsity Jazz, Zach began his music journey from grade school into Boston’s Berklee College of Music where he studied Jazz Percussion - leading him into full scholarships in music performance at 2 state colleges in Nebraska. Inspired by his collegiate years in the education program, Zach instructed and mentored as a public school/program educator for over 15 years, and in 2022 was awarded LPS’ Inspiring Staff Member Award. A true representative of the independent recording artist, Zach created and developed 2 internationally recognized bands - accumulating 7 regionally acknowledged tours - including 4 nationally recognized music festivals, 11 unofficial SXSW showcases, 3 internationally acclaimed albums, opening act for The Knux, Lupe Fiasco, Durand Jones, Matt & Kim, and more, as well as acquired an recording artist agreement with independent record label, The Record Machine.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Dean Cloud

    Program Educator

    Dean Cloud is an active community outreach leader that continues to inspire and help develop start-up ventures and projects throughout the city of Lincoln. As an early music / entrepreneurial partner of Zach Watkins, Dean Cloud extends his gift of artistic collaboration towards community activism and non-profit affairs that promote positive change using art, film, music and more.

  • Dre Mimick

    Intern

    A theatre arts major with a minor in marketing at Nebraska Wesleyan University, Dre is fascinated with a variety of creative mediums, including video games, television, movies, and of course, music. He has remained in choirs since fourth grade and explores other areas of musicianship in his own time, be it through teaching himself piano or experimenting with various DAWs. Whether it be analyzing the works others have made, or creating projects of his own, creativity and musicianship have always been a passion for Dre.

  • Lilian "Lee" Cox

    Intern

    Lee is a Nebraska Wesleyan University student with a passion for writing, communication and music. Lee spends the majority of her time exploring different experiences and discovering new ways to share these insights with the community. The passion and enthusiasm for community development is innate, and Lee is eager to help make a positive impact alongside I See Melody.

  • Email Zach at iseemelody@yahoo.com

WHAT IS I SEE MELODY?

A FRESH, ARTISTIC APPROACH TOWARDS MUSIC PRODUCTION, ARTIST DEVELOPMENT, AND LIVE SHOWCASES.

I SEE MELODY is a youth focused art & music organization that advocates education, curation, collaboration, and networking within the local community. Our mission is to develop, assist, and elevate local music and art scenes by inspiring and producing young - promising artists through the education and experience of local industry professionals - providing music education/training to the youth, a reputable platform for active creators and performers, as well as industry services for musicians and artists. We aim to build and establish a reputable creative sector for the underpopulated and opportunity deficient art communities across America. Through youth development and advancement, as well as guidance and services for up and coming local/regional artists, I SEE MELODY helps elevate the local music scene - retaining and incubating talent with incentive to carry on their passions in music and art.

  • Education.

    The ISM Music Production Academy is an exclusive education/mentoring program, created to inspire and educate the youth in the fundamentals of music composition, production, and song writing.

  • Collaboration.

    A prominent tool of any creator - Collaboration is an art form of itself. Whether it be a recording session, or a collaborative design project, I SEE MELODY is a strong advocate of working together, and provides unique experiences to achieve collaboration within the community.

  • Curation.

    Exclusively produced performances and events - curated to inspire and connect the community with a unique experience of admired music & art from a local, regional, and national demographic. Live from ISM’s intimate architectural designed gallery space - Lincoln, NE.

  • Networking.

    I SEE MELODY aims to produce and provide professionally organized networking events that connects Lincoln’s community of artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. Through social gatherings, podcasts, seminars, and more, ISM strives to continue to connect the city’s like-minded professionals and enthusiasts.

LETS TALK INITIATIVES.

3 KEY PROGRAMS - THOROUGHLY DESIGNED TO PROVIDE ASPIRING ARTISTS WITH THE TOOLS, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE TOWARDS A PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY IN MUSIC.

1. THE ISM MUSIC PRODUCTION ACADEMY

The I See Melody Music Production Academy is a youth elementary/secondary level music production and creative advancement program. The academy is a credible divergent outlet that mentors and guides students through the exploration of creating music as well as develop promising music creators to be artistic inspirations to their community and beyond. With artistic outlets for Lincoln’s youth at a concerning low, the ISM Music Production Academy allows students to express theirselves artistically and provides the same life and leadership skills families seek from sports and other extracurricular activities. A fresh, new approach towards music education, the academy gets young people engaged with a practical-contemporary curriculum, including: pop/hip-hop beat making, film/video game soundtracks, and even gig poster/cover art design.

2. ISM LIVE

I SEE MELODY LIVE curates and produces unique art cultured performances, showcases, and panels of music, art, film, and more. The majority of events are held live from the I.S.M. Production Gallery (aka. The Gallery) - An intimate modern designed, audio engineered approved space that inspires creativity while promoting a connection between performer and audience within a sophisticated environment. The purpose behind ISM LIVE goes far beyond entertainment - Events are thoughtfully curated and created to educate, uplift, and inspire the art community - a space to develop for young/promising artists as well as an exclusive platform for experienced local, regional, and national talent. I SEE MELODY LIVE is determined to expand the art scene by connecting local artists with regional and national acts - forming lasting professional relationships that can potentially place artists on momentous pathway through their artistic field. Utilizing these four key initiatives: Curation, Collaboration, Education, and Networking, I SEE MELODY LIVE aims to be a social, educational, and professional hub for the cities art community.

3. I SEE MELODY RECORDS

I SEE MELODY Records is an artist development and music business program for promising, accomplished graduates of the ISM Music Production Academy, as well as specially selected artists/bands of the local community. Operated like an independent record label, I SEE MELODY Records both educates and provides the services and strategies necessary to develop and launch an artist/band into a professional career in music. This exciting, practicum style program not only educates students/artists about the music business, but prepares and guides them through the early stages of a music career. A collection of the services mentioned above is an educational course in itself - allowing students time to learn and practice. The dream of working as a label representative becomes reality - guiding students/artists through the music industry as genuine artists and/or representatives.

WITH YOUR SUPPORT, TOGETHER WE CAN ELEVATE OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH ART & MUSIC.

“Zach has a way of capturing his audience and bringing them into his world. A real artist that cares highly about the quality and delivery of art.”

— MARCEY YATES, CULXR HOUSE

The opportunity to showcase the skills we have learned over the years, in front our peers in the industry is a gratifying feeling. I’m thankful for I See Melody.

— KEATON HOFFMAN, DJ FLYCUTS

“A natural in terms of music composition, lyrics, and branding. Zach’s never afraid to go against the expected. A visionary in both auditory and visual aesthetic.”

— DYLAN PARKER, DYLAN PARKER PRODUCTIONS