Nathan DeJoy '26 finds his rhythm in the music business

  • Program: Music Business — primary in percussion
  • From: Guilderland High School, NY

Nathan DeJoy plays marimba

What’s next after Naz?

Before graduation, I was offered a full-time job at Live Sound Inc., an audio production company based in Troy, New York, where I interned last summer.

How have your Naz experiences shaped who you are today?

I think the biggest takeaways from coming to school here are my confidence and my ability to communicate better with others. That’s a big thing in the music industry – advocating for yourself and connecting with people. I really learned a lot just by saying yes to opportunities and asking as many questions as I could. 

Before Naz, I didn’t know I wanted to be involved with the music business. I first planned to pursue physical therapy, because I’ve always been math and science oriented, but ultimately decided against it. I discussed multiple options with my Open Path advisor and he pointed out that at every session, I mentioned at least minoring in music, and one day suggested I lean into it.

My classes, my work on Arts Center productions, and my work at the Lilac Festival all trained me to think on the spot. Music business classes, in particular, simulate conversations you’d have in the field and how to communicate with others properly.

View from the crowd of band performing onstage under a tent with stage lighting
My view while working the Great Blue Heron music festival during my summer internship with Live Sound Inc., the company that hired me full-time.

In the School of Music, I was percussion section leader in Wind Symphony, president of the Impact Percussion club, and vice president for our music recording club (Naz Recordz). I played in the Naz Rock Ensemble, which performed at Springfest this year and last, and I attended as many concerts and events as possible, to support the people who support me.

I’m really grateful for all that I’ve been able to do here. It’s been a blast.

Costumed dinosaur and Elvis onstage with Wind Symphony playing Godzilla Eats Las Vegas
Our Wind Symphony playing Godzilla Eats Las Vegas (fall 2025) was a high point. I’m a big fan of Godzilla movies. It was very theatrical and a ton of fun. We percussionists had sunglasses with Elvis-like sideburns. Our program knows when to be serious and knows how to have fun.

What are you most looking forward to in your life’s work? How has Naz prepared you for success?

What’s exciting about this job is it’s unique almost every day, and I get to listen to cool music and meet interesting people. I don’t think I could sit still behind a desk all day, and this job keeps me very active.

There are lots of opportunities around Nazareth to gain experience. I worked on campus in Beston Hall, helping put together the shows there — a lot of orchestral musical groups and bands both from Naz or from the community. I get to help make sure the shows run smoothly. Program Director Dave Drago is the talent buyer for Rochester’s Lilac Fest and gets his students opportunities to work the Lilac Fest each year, helping run the shows throughout the festival. You get to work first-hand with the artists and learn how to run the audio from backstage. I did that both last year and this year; It’s a really cool experience. Other students have had internships with Point of the Bluff concert promoters and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

View of lighting board and stage for Naz opera Hansel and Gretel
I ran the lights for the Naz opera Hansel and Gretel.

Any challenges you had to overcome?

I started playing volleyball in 8th grade. After two years of playing on the team at Naz, I made the tough decision to quit to have more time for my music business pursuits.

My internships were challenging, as they’re supposed to be. I spent a summer doing audio recording with White Lake Studios in Albany, New York, and then interned last summer at Live Sound Inc.
What lessons will you take with you from your Nazareth years?
Be involved in the things you’re interested in, and support your peers. Because it all comes back around.

Nathan and three friends post for a selfie on chairs in a lounge
My friends and I love to hang out in the fireplace lounge in the Arts Center.

Who’s had a great impact on you?

Professor Kristen Shiner McGuire, the percussion coordinator. She is just the kindest woman. She is extremely supportive and wants to see all of her students grow and succeed. She does everything she can to support her students.

Part of a graduating student profile series