Peter Nashel '88 on His Wesleyan Journey
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As an artist and while working in music, Peter Nashel ’88 has had to work hard and take several leaps of faith. That first leap of faith came when he chose to attend Wesleyan. Peter was drawn to Wes because he sensed in its students “a slight irreverence” that he identified with. It didn’t hurt that it was also home to accomplished saxophonist, professor, and John Coltrane contemporary Bill Barron. Between Barron’s mentorship and intense, serious approach to studying music, and the diverse, creative influences of friends and peers, Peter was inspired to become a professional composer for film and television in New York City. Today, he is the founder, creative director, and principal at Duotone Audio Group, and is quick to point to the diversity of his liberal arts education as a real differentiator for him in a field where many received narrower conservatory training. That variety of creative influences is a big reason he frequently returns to Wesleyan and mentors up-and-coming students and musicians.