Name: Mason Margut
Age: 20
Hometown: Satellite Beach, FL
Major: Jazz Performance
Her Campus (HC): Okay, let’s start with the basics―do you have a favorite genre of music?
Mason Margut (MM): I would consider jazz to be my favorite, but that’s not to say that I don’t like other types of music. I like to be open-minded and listen to all types.
HC: Any plans for after undergrad?
MM: I would love to attend graduate school where I could possibly live in the future, which is preferably in New York. Something in the northeast would be okay, even if it’s not New York. I don’t have a specific school in mind because when it comes to music, all of them are really good.
HC: What instruments do you play?
MM: When I was in middle and high school I played percussion while in the marching band. I kept up with piano while in jazz band, but I was mostly self-taught up until a certain point. Only until I figured I would major in Jazz Performance did I start taking piano lessons again before college.
HC: What bands are you involved in?
MM: Leah and the Aviators is one and they would be described as alternative. They have a very unique combination of stuff just because there are so many players coming from different musical backgrounds. A lot of us are coming from the jazz program, but Leah, our main vocalist, has a pop background. Ryan, our drummer, has a pop background as well. It definitely engages an old pop sound to it as well. I’m also involved in multiple jazz bands, which is mostly because we rotate as freelance musicians and therefore don’t really have a name. I do a lot of trio and quartet performances and I’m hired as a side man a lot.
HC: When did you realize this was something you really wanted to pursue?
MM: If I could think back to the time, it was when I was a junior the summer I came up to jazz camp at Florida State. I really enjoyed it a lot and I thought there might be something here for me to pursue. I kept up with music for so long and I loved the arts and knew I wanted to do something in that field. However, I didn’t know if I could make it into a career and came to a crossroads when making a decision. A lot of things happened junior year that cemented it for me. I became really close with a music professor at UCF, which also encouraged me. I would definitely say the end of junior year was the deciding moment. I had always considered environmental science and writing as hobbies, but not necessarily as careers.
HC: Where do you find the inspiration for your music?
MM: Being around musicians constantly my freshman year had a huge impact on me. I lived in a music hall, Cawthon, where my roommate and suitemates were also musicians. I’ve lived with musicians since I’ve come to college and all the people I’ve met from being in the music school have been inspirations. Having been surrounded by so many different beliefs and opinions influenced me as well. One of the best things about FSU is being able to be in contact with all of these amazing people who are just inspiring, from the way they play music to their work ethic and commitment.
HC: Is there one specific musician that’s had a significant impact on you?
MM: That is so hard to answer! One person that I’ve worked with and whose music I really appreciate is Marcus Roberts. He’s actually on faculty here at FSU. He’s a phenomenal musician and only does master classes for piano, mainly because he’s on tour a lot.
HC: What do you find to be the most challenging part of being a musician?
MM: Definitely managing time and saying no to people. As I’ve become more involved on campus, people ask things of me that I just don’t have time for even though I would love to do them.