Kaden Larson

KADEN LARSON, piano

At the age of two, Kaden Larson was struck with a severe case of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis in his hands and feet. After much medical attention, prayer, and promising improvement, a wise rheumatologist told his parents to do anything to keep his fingers moving. Piano lessons initially served as a therapeutic activity to fight the disease, and through music, what began as a trial became a triumph. (Though if this doesn’t work out, Kaden insists he could rekindle a lost talent for playdough or fingerpainting.)

Kaden is an avid recitalist who regularly performs throughout his home state of Utah and has performed in locations throughout the United States and Europe. Praised for his dynamic playing and thoughtful programming, Kaden has been a prize-winner or finalist in numerous international competitions and has appeared as soloist with several orchestras. However, what really motivates Kaden is the opportunity to learn something new each day, and to share the journey with others by using music to promote faith, intellectual curiosity, and emotional empathy.

Kaden holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Brigham Young University (including a term of music study abroad in Vienna, Austria), and a Master of Music degree from Indiana University, where he was awarded a Performer’s Certificate. His major teachers have been Tricia West, Dr. Scott Holden, and Norman Krieger. He continues now as a doctoral student at IU. It was there that he met his wife, Anna. Their violin-piano duo, consonari, has enjoyed performances in a wide variety of capacities and collaborations.

A founding member of the Ensign Piano Quartet, Kaden is also active as a collaborative pianist, organist, amateur composer/arranger, and passionate teacher. He has served on the boards of his collegiate chapters of the Music Teachers’ National Association and has presented at state and national pedagogy conferences. When he’s not doing something with music, he enjoys skiing, hiking, reading, cooking, and generally breaking the fourth wall. Kaden and Anna are happily employed as domestic help for a loquacious orange tabby named Apollo.

“Kaden’s playing is unfailingly sincere, crystal clear conceptually and tonally, and deeply felt.” – Gregory Sioles, Indiana University

 “Maturity, poise, and passion are blended magnificently in this debut CD.” – Scott Holden, BYU School of Music

“Kaden Larson performs with depth and sensitivity, and these Fantasies are exquisite.” – Vivian Chang-Freiheit, Levine School of Music in Washington, D.C.