Hayden Larsen is a jazz saxophonist whose love for jazz and the saxophone know no limits. Hayden fell in love with jazz when he joined the jazz studies track at the University of Illinois Chicago studying under Chris Madsen and Jon Irabagon. During his time at UIC, he worked tirelessly to receive his Bachelor’s in Jazz Studies. Hayden buried himself deep in the tradition of jazz and worked obsessively playing the saxophone learning the importance of honoring the tradition while innovating his own unique voice. While attending UIC, Hayden graduated Magna Cum Laude with College Honors and received the Presser Foundation Undergraduate Scholar Award for his outstanding musical achievements.

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Hayden has had the privilege of sharing the stage with Jared Schonig, Joel Frahm, Chris Madsen, Marques Carroll, Andy Baker and Chad McCullough. He has had the honor of performing at venues such as the Jazz Showcase, Fulton Street Collective, Epiphany Center for the Arts, Brudder's, Montrose Saloon, Honky Tonk BBQ, and Gallery Cabaret.

   

Hayden prides himself on the musical presence he brings on the bandstand. Hayden’s boisterous personality on the saxophone creates an infectious energy that many of his peers love to match. Similar to his musical personality, his compositions are playful yet challenging while attempting to display the chaotic yet clever part of his personality.

 

After working with the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic as a camp counselor, Hayden discovered a passion for teaching and sharing with others how incredible music is. He currently works at the Chicago Jesuit Academy as a Music Co-Curricular Assistant where he teaches saxophone to students from 5th-8th grade. He hopes to instill his insatiable passion to learn about music into any student who would choose to study with him.