Carson McHaney

Carson McHaney is a versatile violinist and composer who explores the intersections of Classical music, Irish music, American Roots music, and many other genres. He has a deep love for collaborative music making and crafting emotive and narrative arrangements/compositions with his two projects: Saltare, an ensemble dedicated to exploring dance-focused music, and High Horse, a progressive-acoustic string band pushing the boundaries of tradition.

Carson has had the privilege of performing alongside esteemed artists such as Aoife O’Donovan, Jeremy Kittel, Esperanza Spalding, and The Westerlies. He has appeared at venues such as Carnegie Hall, Jordan Hall, and Boston Symphony Hall. Carson has also performed as a featured soloist with the Harvard Baroque Orchestra and the Eureka Symphony.

As an avid chamber musician, Carson has had the pleasure of studying with renowned artists such as the Doric String Quartet, Cuarteto Cassals, Brentano String Quartet, and Joel Krosnick. Carson is a regular festival artist at the Trinidad Bay Arts and Music Festival, where he performed as Quartet in Residence with the Cornell Quartet (2019). During his time as a founding member of the Cornell Quartet, Carson performed multiple West Coast tours, premiered new compositions, and held quartet fellowship positions at various summer festivals.

As an experienced musical educator, Carson has taught private lessons for 12+ years, worked as a chamber music coach, led orchestral sectionals, and is on faculty at the Humboldt Chamber Music Workshop. Carson has also participated in musical outreach programs, working with both imprisoned people and school children, even internationally.

Carson holds a Master’s Degree in Contemporary Musical Arts from the New England Conservatory and a Bachelor’s Degree in Violin Performance from Oberlin College and Conservatory. He has been fortunate to study with many great teachers and mentors including: Ayano Ninomiya, Liz Knowles, David Bowlin, Marilyn McDonald and Terrie Baune.

Originally from Northern California and now based in Boulder, Colorado, Carson maintains a diverse professional life of touring, teaching, recording, and performing. When he isn’t playing the fiddle, you can find Carson on a hiking trail, in the ocean, creating visual art, making silly electronic music, and spending time with his pup Rain.