To say Max Jones is passionate about music would be an understatement.
The senior creative technology major has been making a name for himself within Illinois State’s live music community since he came to campus in 2016. Jones is president of the student-run Music Business Organization. He is also executive member of ATK Live, a student group that brings to campus and promotes live shows featuring local and regional touring bands.
In addition to his leadership roles, Jones stands out because of his own creative projects made possible by a Friends of the Arts Scholarship. Jones used the funds to purchase Ableton Live, a digital audio workstation that enables musicians to create music from their computer, as well as record and mix audio tracks.
“The new software allows me to create full compositions despite not having a collection of instruments, or the skills to know all of them,” said Jones. “As long as you have an idea of what you want to make, you can create it.”
Jones recently used Ableton Live to release a debut musical project, Constellations. The three-track EP was written for his roommate’s directorial debut as part of Illinois State’s Freestage fall festival, where students showcase original productions on campus.
Jones is grateful for the help he’s received, knowing it’s bringing him closer to making a career out of his passions. “I am humbled by the generosity of the Friends of the Arts. Thanks to you, I will be able to achieve my goals.”
Friends of the Arts (FOA) is a community-based organization that partners with Illinois State to enhance arts education. To support FOA visit Giving.IllinoisState.edu/fund/friends-of-the-arts-fund.
