Currently serving as the director of the Glenn Korff School of Music at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Felix Olschofka has been named the new director of the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, effective August 1, 2026.

“Felix Olschofka brings an exciting vision that both honors the historic musical traditions that are essential strengths of our Hugh Hodgson School of Music while expanding the possibilities of what a 21^st century School of Music can offer its students,” said Anna Stenport, dean of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. “His experience developing curricula that link music to other fields allows for collaboration and innovation that can broaden what being a musician can mean. That makes him a fantastic addition to the Franklin College family.”

Olschofka’s expertise in higher education spans over two decades. Before his Nebraska appointment, he served at the University of North Texas (UNT) College of Music as associate dean for operations and director of graduate studies. Prior to his time at UNT, Olschofka's first faculty appointment was at San Diego State University. Along with a strong foundation in violin performance and teaching, Olschofka also brings a balance of academic leadership and arts administration. “Music education is deeply meaningful to me because it has the power to transform lives,” said Olschofka. “It develops artistry, discipline, creativity, empathy, and a strong sense of community. At its best, music education prepares students not only for successful careers, but also for meaningful lives as artists, teachers, researchers, collaborators, leaders, and advocates for the arts.”

At Nebraska, Olschofka’s work has focused on advancing music education, fostering artistic creativity, supporting innovative program development, and mentoring students, faculty, staff, and emerging leaders. “As the Hugh Hodgson School of Music looks toward its centennial and the next 100 years, I am inspired by the tremendous opportunity to honor its rich traditions while also imagining bold new possibilities for the future,” said Olschofka. “Music will continue to be grounded in excellence in performance, teaching, scholarship, and service, while also opening new doors through multidisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, innovation, and emerging technologies. I am excited to be part of this next chapter and to work with a community so deeply committed to the School’s future success.” 

As a violinist, Olschofka has toured as a soloist, concertmaster, and chamber musician throughout Europe, Asia, North America, and South America. His playing has been described as “violinistic pyrotechnics” by Theater Jones, “charged with beauty” by Gramophone, “a true dream of romantic melodiousness” by General-Anzeiger Bonn, and “remarkable for dramatic power” by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. 

"I am most looking forward to getting to know and working alongside the exceptional faculty, dedicated staff, talented students, alumni, supporters, and community partners who care so deeply about the Hugh Hodgson School of Music and its future,” said Olschofka. "I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to join a School with such a strong foundation of excellence, and I look forward to helping build on its visibility, impact, and success in the years ahead."

Born and raised in Germany, Olschofka holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin, a performance certificate from Indiana University, and a doctorate from the University of California San Diego.