A new, but familiar face is in the building this year as an addition to the teaching staff, and he’s no stranger to the district. Mike Perkins, who once walked the halls of Eisenhower Elementary, Richards Middle School, and Fraser High School as a student, has returned to Fraser, but this time as a music teacher.

“I liked it a lot,” Perkins said, recalling his time as a student in Fraser. 

“I kind of knew I wanted to be a teacher. I had a good 6th-grade teacher at Eisenhower, but I wanted to be a math teacher first—music came later.” Perkins said.

That shift in passion eventually led Perkins to Wayne State University, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education. His love for music developed during his high school years, where he was inspired by three influential teachers. 

“I loved music a lot when I came to high school between the three great teachers that I had. They were Mr. Rodgers, Mr. Charland, and Mr. Pascaretti, and I just wanted to teach music.”

Despite the joy music brought him, Perkins admits that his college years were challenging, especially as a music major. 

“Music majors have over 12-14 credits a semester, and they’re all one or two credits,” Perkins said, “you had to balance that with classes that are also required to take.”

Perkins has taught music for several years, spending time at the International Academy of Macomb while still working part-time at Fraser Elementary, but he longed for consistency. 

“I wanted to be in one spot teaching so I could put all my energy toward one group of students,” Perkins said.

That opportunity finally arrived this year, as Perkins took on the role of teaching piano at Fraser High School.

 “I’ve always liked teaching music to high school students,” he said. “I was excited to teach the piano class once I knew I was able to.”

His enthusiasm for the new role is clear, especially when it comes to watching his students’ progress.

 “This experience has been incredible. I love how the students at Fraser High School are pretty driven in the class and they’re independent working, and it’s been nice teaching all the different levels of music,” he said.

Students are also feeling the impact of Perkins’ teaching style and classroom. 

“I actually really like it, I like playing piano,” said Sophia Duffy, senior. “I love Mr. Perkins, his teaching style is pretty solid. He’s a great teacher.”

Kylah, another student, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the balance between support and humor in his classes. 

“It’s been good. I’ve had some challenges, but I like it,” she said. “He’s the best teacher, hands down. He goes really slow and steady, step by step. He is really nice and funny.”

Looking ahead, Perkins is eager to see his students grow in their abilities.

 “I’m looking forward to seeing many students progress in piano from how they start to how they end,” Perkins said. “I think it is very cool to see students who know nothing about piano and then at the end of the semester, they can actually play songs.”

As he continues his journey at FHS, Perkins remains deeply involved with the district and is excited for what’s to come.

 “I feel really connected,” Perkins said, “and I want to see a lot of growth with the students.”