Kaden Hurst grew up in the Sierra Foothills of Northern California. They studied mandolin performance and composition at Regis University and are a member of the nationally touring band Never Come Down, drag old-time quintet Tradwife Stringband, and play in a duo with fiddler Lillian Sawyer.
Kaden’s musical life focuses on songwriting, arranging, and a love of social music making. As a teacher, they blend expertise in mandolin technique, music theory, musicology, and a deep curiosity about what it means to learn music. In addition to teaching private lessons and band coaching, Kaden co-directs Taborgrass, a Portland OR based workshop series and community hub for adult bluegrass education.
When not playing music, Kaden enjoys juggling, board games, and overthinking fiddle tunes.