Michael Elliott Martin McElvain

Michael Elliott Martin McElvain
Michael Elliott Martin McElvain, age 35, passed away surrounded by those he loved most at his mother's home in Seattle, Washington on April 15, 2021. Michael leaves behind a legacy of music and artistry. A gifted pianist from a young age, Michael demonstrated his profound talent throughout his early education in St. Charles, IL, composing for school orchestras, music directing professional stage productions, and so much more. Michael graduated from St. Charles East High School, received his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Webster University in St. Louis, MO, his Master of Music in Piano Performance from DePaul University in Chicago, IL, and was nearing completion of his Doctor of Musical Arts in Collaborative Piano under vocal coach Martin Katz at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Throughout his undergraduate and graduate studies Michael worked as a classical and collaborative pianist, vocal coach, teacher, and conductor. Career highlights include performing on Chicago's WFMT radio broadcasts, appearing as a guest conductor with The Metropolitan Orchestra of St. Louis, serving on faculties of multiple universities and Musica nelle Marche, performing piano for the George Shirley Vocal Competition, serving as Chorus Master for The Chicago Bach Ensemble, accompanying choirs at DePaul University, and conducting numerous stage productions. Beyond music, Michael was passionate about film and comedy, loved good design and furniture, had amazing taste in food and wine, and possessed a larger-than-life personality. He was known for his incredibly sharp wit and wicked sense of humor, something he couldn't help but share with those around him.
He is survived by his devoted mother, Amy L. McElvain, Seattle, WA, his beloved life partner, Saori Chiba, Evanston, IL, his loving sisters and brother-in-law, Stacy Kraus (Mark Balkema), Jamey and Kevin McElvain-Whitman, Los Angeles, CA, Jorie McElvain, Seattle, WA, Mollie McElvain, Los Angeles, CA, his dear friends Jakob Hansen and Laura Eakman; his uncle Mark (Julie) Watson of Carol Stream, IL, his favorite aunt JoAnne (Craig) Wainman, Freeport, IL, and aunt Linda Bordelon, Morris, IL; and countless loving friends, teachers, and colleagues from all over the globe. He is preceded in death by his brother, Scott Benson, father, James McElvain, maternal grandparents, Martin and Shirley Watson, aunt, Robin Watson, and his best canine friend Stuart.
Michael's memorial is tentatively planned for October 2021 in Chicago (COVID-permitting). Event details will be published on michaelmcelvain.com in the coming weeks, as well as information regarding his memorial fund and the scholarship through DePaul University established in his name.