Striking the Right Chord
For freshman Elliot Schaffrath ’28, the supportive community and strong academics at Elmhurst University have been music to his ears.
As a music performance major with viola as his instrument of choice, Schaffrath’s dream is to perform on big stages, and he believes Elmhurst will provide him with the foundation needed to launch him into a successful career as a musician. Schaffrath has been playing the viola since the fifth grade, so when the time came to choose a program of study and a college to attend, he knew he wanted to follow his passion—music.
Tuning in to Strong Connections
Schaffrath first connected with Elmhurst University as a high school student attending the Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA) District One Festival, hosted annually on campus. It’s where he met University Orchestra Director Taka Matsunaga, and the experience solidified Schaffrath’s decision to spend the next four years strengthening his craft in Elmhurst’s music department.
“A big part of why I chose Elmhurst was the faculty, specifically in the music department,” he said. “I worked with the orchestra director two years prior to even thinking about college.” Elmhurst University is home to engaged faculty like Matsunaga, who are active scholars and practitioners in their field, helping students learn best practices and gain access to professional networks.
“I’ll be able to build connections with people in the music industry through the professors in the music department,” Schaffrath said. “I feel like sometimes at larger schools you can get lost, but all my professors genuinely care about you as a student, they know you and want to reach out and help you.”
Small Classes, Big Possibilities
Elmhurst’s small class sizes and intimate campus setting were another leading reason that Schaffrath chose to call the University home. As part of a small student population, Schaffrath has found that he has more opportunities to get involved with performances and to make the most of the spotlight.
“When I was considering schools, the size was really important to me, especially for music, because it’s very personal and the more one-on-one interactions you’re able to have in a small setting, the better,” he said. Schaffrath’s learning can be more personalized in this kind of intimate classroom environment, enabling him to develop a more versatile set of skills.
A Round of Applause for Community
Schaffrath is staying busy on campus and taking advantage of the abundant activities offered both in and outside the classroom, such as Elmhurst’s many performing ensembles. He is part of a String Trio with two peer violinists; the Varsity Strings Ensemble, where he is learning a secondary instrument (violin); and the University Orchestra.
The high level of hospitality and attention Schaffrath has received at Elmhurst is helping him build meaningful connections and the confidence to succeed in an inclusive, welcoming space. “My experience with the music department has been really great,” Schaffrath said. “It’s very close-knit, everyone knows each other and there’s just a very strong sense of community.”
The Encore
Schaffrath is no stranger to tenacity, and wants to keep growing as both a student and a musician. In addition to viola and violin, he plays classical guitar in his free time, further diversifying his portfolio and preparing for the future. Schaffrath plans to play professionally in an orchestra in the Chicago area and to teach private lessons after graduating from Elmhurst in 2028.
Go Far. Do Well. Visit elmhurst.edu/Admission to take the first step towards your future.