About Me

Diligent Pursuit best describes the systematic approach I have taken to the fulfillment of my dreams. It includes spirituality, education, creativity, performance, technology, preparation and perseverance. Music production and film score has been the intention of my preparation. A craftsman knows the versatility of his craft, which broadens his ability to capture the imaginations of others and accomplish the goal. The continuation of my journey has been grounded through my faith in God. The diligence of my pursuit has been in perseverance, recognizing that when one door closes, God opens another.

Lashawn Gary

EMMY AWARD WINNING PRODUCER

Composer/Producer/Arranger/Pianist LaShawn D. Gary, is a native of Detroit, Michigan. He received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Instrumental Music Education from Southern University A&M College, and a Master’s of Music Education Degree from the University of Louisville. LaShawn also studied orchestration and arranging with jazz composer/arranger John LaBarbera. He was also a trumpeter, student arranger and Band Captain of the Southern University “Human Jukebox” Marching Band. LaShawn is currently on staff as a composer for the new television mini-series “Terror Lake Drive” featuring Malik Yoba, Shannon Kane and Lamman Rucker.

LaShawn has toured professionally as a pianist with jazz guitarist Mark Whitfield and the late jazz clarinetist Alvin Batiste. He is multi-talented and has composed, produced, performed and arranged music for recording artist such as: gospel great, Yolanda Adams, Howard Hewitt, Keith Washington, and L.J. Reynolds. LaShawn’s remarkable musicianship landed him studio time and work with Detroit’s legendary Music Producer Michael J. Powell. He was also the understudy and copyist for one of the world’s most sought-after string arranger and composer, Motown Arranger Paul Riser. Gary also served as Co-Director of Music for the nationally televised funeral of Rosa Parks, Mother of the Modern Civil Rights Movement, while serving as Director of Music for Oak Grove AME Church. LaShawn also works as a composer/arranger in commercial advertisement with Burrell Communications, Global Hue and Yessian Music. His musical talents were displayed on television in the production of the Toyota Avalon “Son-in-Law” commercial, the introductory advertisement of the Ford Fiesta, Xfinity “Unplug” Commercial and the Happy’s Pizza Jingle featuring the Four Tops. LaShawn was the Choir Director for the McDonald’s 365 Black Awards directing the Southern University Gospel Choir with Erica Campbell and directed the Louisiana Leadership Institute Drumline performance with American Idol winner, singer, and actress Jordan Sparks. In March 2015, LaShawn worked with Grammy Award winning singer Patti Austin, Greg Phillinganes, and Sanchez Harley as the Assistant Choir Director for the Charles H. Wright Museum 50th Anniversary Celebration “Oh Freedom”. In 2015, LaShawn released his debut album, “Love, Peace, and Praise.” Two singles, “Now Is the Time” and “Love, Peace, and Praise” charted on iHeart Radio and SmoothJazz.com in 2019. The decade ended as the Emmy Award winning producer and fellow producing partners, Bill Bowen and Mike Ellison released “Detroit: One Nation Under A Groove”, a YouTube video featuring the Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences Choir which received over a million views in the first month. He was also awarded two Detroit Music Awards for “Outstanding Music Video” and “Outstanding Urban Recording”. LaShawn is currently completing his second album which is scheduled for release in April of 2021, and his new single “Inception (feat. Mark Whitfield)” was released in January of 2021.

LaShawn is a music educator and currently teaches music with Southfield Public Schools. He is currently the President/CEO of the Michigan Fine Arts Institute, formerly known as the Beverly Thomas Fine Arts Institute. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, Phi Mu Alpha Professional Music Fraternity, The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).