Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/66101
I am Central: Jason Nichol Senior Music performance and accounting double major Music's infl uence: "I can attribute all of my successes either directly or indirectly toward my music – particularly the disciplined work ethic that music demands." Top post: He was president of the Student Government Association for the 2009-2010 year. "It was an exciting time because I was able to sit on the presidential screening committee and become heavily involved in that process." On time management: "When you're doing things that you love to do, they're not a chore. Meeting all kinds of new people last year made the challenges and time commitment defi nitely worth it, because it was such a growing experience for me." Family ties: Jason plays in The Nichol Trio with his dad, CMU music professor John Nichol, and his brother, Jonathan, a music professor at Grand Valley State University. First paying gig: The day before his 13th birthday, playing bass in a jazz combo with his dad and brother for a private party. "But the caveat was, anything we purchased musicially I had to help pay for, so I also learned money management." "Being naturally rebellious, there was no way I was going to play saxophone. I just fell in love with the bass because of jazz. Jazz music is to me one of the greatest American art forms. I thought the bass was cool – it was a unique instrument and a little out of the mainstream." Why play bass and not saxophone like your dad and brother? Do you prefer jazz over classical? "I'm a fi rm adherent to the belief that there are only two kinds of music: good music and bad music. I play both – jazz and classical – I study both, I love both. I love rap and hip-hop, funk, rock. Music is just like literature or art – it's all interweaved." education. I really hope to advocate for and protect the arts. That's my true passion – protecting the arts, which are sometimes overlooked in society." • Why the double major in accounting? "I really hope to go to law school someday. A law degree is a catalyst for success in whatever fi eld you enter. I might get a master's in music fi rst. And then I'd like to go along the route of higher 40 centralight fall '10