Like many new students upon arrival at Swarthmore, trumpet player Elan Nadelman ‘26 wasn’t sure what to expect or where his college journey would take him. Pursuing a major in Philosophy, he assumed that music would remain an extracurricular. 

“I had no idea that I would end up minoring in music or that music would be such a big part of my life here [at the College], but it really is one of the main things that defines my identity on campus.”

Nadelman’s musical journey started long before Swarthmore. In fourth grade he was required to pick an instrument to learn, and he and his friends chose trumpet. From then on, music became an important part of his life and identity, helping connect Nadelman to his family.

“My mom is a big music enthusiast. I enjoy being able to share musical memories with her… Even though I am across the country away at college, I still feel connected when I get to talk to my mom about new songs from artists that we love and introducing new music to each other.”

Hailing from California, Nadelman knew he wanted to go to a liberal arts school on the East Coast. When he visited Swarthmore and experienced the kindness around him, his choice became “self-evident”. He took two music classes with Professor Barbara Milewski his first year, and began to feel himself gravitating towards the Department.

“I knew I was having a lot of fun and enjoyed learning about music, even if it was about something like Opera, which I would have never thought I would enjoy.” Nadelman declared a minor in music, and has since taken many more music classes, including Music and War (006B) with Professor Milewski (which he highly recommends).

 “[In Music and War] I was exposed to the idea that music has power and influence especially in times of conflict. It was really interesting to see how music can start with some association and then over time shift to something new,” he says.

 He affectionately describes Swarthmore’s Music Department as different from others  he’s been exposed to. “Music can often be cutthroat and competitive, but at Swat it's entirely collaborative.” At Swarthmore, “everybody cares,” he says. For Nadelman, music is about connection, not competition. 

Ensemble playing has been a core part of Nadelman’s experience in the Music Department, and he’s been a member of both the Orchestra and the Wind Ensemble every semester since his first year. All Swarthmore ensembles are open to faculty and staff, providing students a special opportunity to connect with professors they wouldn’t get anywhere else. Nadelman played alongside violinist Alan Baker in the Orchestra, who also happened to be his Philosophy of Science professor. “I love that I could talk to [Professor Baker] about the music we were playing in orchestra. Building a relationship with professors outside of class is something that I treasure and music empowered that,” adding that in rehearsals, there is no distinction between students and faculty. 

Nadelman also commented on what it’s been like to work with Orchestra and Wind Ensemble Director Andrew Hauze. “Coming together as a group and playing incredible pieces is just breathtaking. Andrew [Hauze] has consistently done an incredible job choosing repertoire that is both interesting, challenging, yet not impossible.”

Nadelman is adamant that music will remain in his life after Swarthmore. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in wealth management, and hopes to continue to play music in his community and engage in music philanthropy efforts. 

--

Favorite music course at Swarthmore? I’ve loved them all, really because of the environment that the professors have created in the Music Department. 

Favorite music making experience at Swarthmore? Playing Beethoven’s 5th Symphony was something that was really incredible. Everyone knows the tune but being able to play it is something totally different. 

What you’ll miss most about Swarthmore? I will miss walking into professors' offices and chatting with them during their office hours. 

What sound or noise do you love? I really like it when firetrucks or ambulances pass you and the sound goes from sounding like one thing to sounding different. 

What sound or noise do you hate? Anything loud in the morning. 

What is the last song/piece you played on your phone? "1991" by Azealia Banks.