FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. — Metro Detroit composer Dan Yessian, the founder of international music production company Yessian who is known for his countless iconic TV jingles as well as his classical composition An Armenian Trilogy, has been honored by the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF). The nonprofit transforms the lives of children in rural Armenia through education, healthcare, social services, and economic development. Its flagship initiative, the COAF SMART Center in Lori, offers free after-school programs in arts, languages, technology and more, empowering youth with skills to build a brighter future. Now the SMART Center has a new music center named the Dan Yessian Family Music Studio in honor of Yessian and his fundraising efforts.
In May 2025 Yessian organized a live event and concert with COAF where more than $50,000 was raised to support music education for children in Armenia.
Key investments in the new studio include the purchase of musical instruments and studio equipment, such as keyboards, headphones, microphones and accessories to enrich practical instruction. Professional-grade technology such as Laptops and iMacs is enabling digital music creation, recording, and sound editing. There have been acoustic and classroom upgrades, and software and podcast production tools have been purchased to support student projects and experimentation.
Over 174 students now attend Sound Design and Musical Instruments classes twice a week, gaining hands-on experience with world-class tools. Future projects will include the launch of workshops for sound and music production, plus there will be further soundproofing and acoustic improvements along with the purchase of more furniture and studio equipment.
COAF’s VP of Development Haig Boyadjian wrote to Yessian, announcing the new music studio’s name, saying it was a tribute to his generosity and love for the arts. “This space has already become a source of inspiration and creativity for our students, who are eager to explore music in new and meaningful ways,” said Boyadjian. “Your gift is not only providing them with instruments and a studio, but also with the confidence to express themselves and dream beyond boundaries. Your name and your spirit will be a part of every note played here.”
Yessian spearheaded the fundraiser because music has had such a profound influence on his own life. “It built my confidence as a child, helping me to express myself. Then by having the opportunity to get lessons on the saxophone and then other instruments, I was able to develop skills to turn my passion into a career,” he said. “While not all children might want a career in music, the lessons music provides are beneficial for all.”
