Rehearsal Accompanist, Kayden Larson

Kaden Larson began playing the piano at age three as a therapeutic activity to help fight a severely crippling case of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. What began as a trial has now become a triumph. Kayden is an avid recitalist who regularly performs throughout his home state of Utah, and has performed throughout the United States and Europe. His graduate studies were at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he earned a Master of Music degree, the prestigious Performer’s Certificate, and finally a Doctorate of Music in Piano Performance and Literature. Undergraduate music studies were at Brigham Young University, graduating summa cum laude, during which time he also spent a term of music study in Vienna, Austria. Primary mentors include Tricia West, Dr. Scott Holden, and Norman Krieger. Among other recognitions, Kaden has been a prizewinner or finalist in the WPTA Finland International Piano Competition, MTNA Stecher and Horowitz Two Piano Competition, Brancaleoni International Online Piano Competition, Neapolitan Masters Competition, Tkaczewski International Piano Competition, Helen Taylor Johannesen International Piano Competition, and the International Great Composers Competition Series.

Dr. Larson serves as professor of Piano at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, TX where he teaches applied and class piano, chamber music, and music literature. Active as both a soloist and collaborative musician, Kaden is a founding member of the Ensign Piano Quartet, and the consonari ensemble project (together with his wife, violinist Anna Larson). He currently serves as President of the East Texas Music Teachers Association and is a frequent presenter at piano pedagogy conferences. As a performer, passionate teacher, and lifelong learner, Kaden uses music to promote faith, compassion, beauty, and a greater appreciation for the joys and challenges of life that bring people closer together. He and Anna are happily employed as domestic help for a loquacious orange tabby named Apollo.