Elias Harger
First-year student Elias Harger has always had a passion for performing. At a young age, he started performing in local theaters and commercials around Denver, eventually landing a role on the Netflix series “Fuller House.” Now that he is at Georgia State, he plans to continue his passion by working toward a bachelor’s degree in music.
Interview by Zohra Basmadjian
Tell me about yourself.
I’m a first-year majoring in music with a concentration in piano. I’m also an actor. I’ve been acting since I was 5. One of my biggest roles was Max Fuller on the Netflix TV show “Fuller House.”
My family and I lived in Denver for the first seven years of my life, then we moved to California and ended up in Atlanta.
I graduated a year before I was supposed to, so I had to rush the college application process. I discovered Georgia State when I was getting my hair done. The hairdresser cutting my hair was a Georgia State alum and she told me about the accelerated J.D. program and the Honors College. After hearing about both programs, it sounded like a perfect fit for me. Georgia State was the only place I applied to. It was such a perfect fit that I didn’t bother to apply anywhere else.
What led you to become an actor?
Since I’ve always been extroverted and performing oriented, my parents thought getting me into commercial gigs in Colorado was a good idea. They signed my sister and I up with a talent agency. When I was 5, I got a commercial job for Old Country Buffet, which blossomed into theater productions and short films.
I’ve always loved performance of any kind. That’s why I’m a music major. Acting was just the avenue that I took at the time. Things kept growing, and I performed at bigger theaters until I got booked for “Fuller House.” I met a lot of great people. It was a very enjoyable experience.
Why did you choose to major in piano performance?
I’ve been playing piano for 11 years, and my piano teacher is why I chose my major. After doing recitals for her, she told me I should try out for the School of Music here. I spent the summer preparing for it, putting together my songs and building up my repertoire. After that, I tried out and got in.
What’s your favorite part of playing piano?
Emotional expression. I love playing pretty music. There’s nothing more beautiful about piano performance than feeling the music and expressing your emotions through it. I get very melodramatic. It’s a lot of fun.
How has Georgia State helped support your passion for piano?
I’ve met friends here who are also pianists who motivate me to improve and help me develop better study plans. My theory class has also been a huge help in improving my music reading skills. I’m really proud of myself, and I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my class and the things I’ve been able to learn here. I am a much better pianist now than a few months ago.
Who motivates you the most?
My mom. She both motivates me as an example and quite literally to do things. I have to call her regularly about my studies and keep her updated on everything that’s going on. She’s also a great role model for me. She’s helped me prepare for public speaking and really motivated me in my endeavors in life.
My piano teacher is also a huge inspiration to me. She’s such an incredible woman. She has an incredibly positive outlook on life.
What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
On a personal level, I love playing the piano, so it’s for my own benefit: Becoming a better pianist and entertaining myself, family members and friends. That’s my immediate goal.
For potential job opportunities, I’ve always thought it’d be cool to play piano on a cruise ship or be a classical or concert pianist.
