Not yet 25 years old, Elden has been infused with a passion for playing and music since he was a very young boy. Inspired by his father, also a musician, Elden started playing guitar at age 10.
Also a studied singer and songwriter, he entrances audiences with a style composed of diverse elements that speak about something fresh, relevant, urgent and new in today's world. His interest in international styles led him to the oud (a fretless Egyptian lute) and the glissentar (a 12-stringed fretless guitar) instruments which he now incorporates into many of his performances. In addition to instrumental improvisation, Elden also works as a singer-songwriter, whose musical style blends jazz and neo-classicism with middle-eastern influences and American roots music.
Elden received his Bachelor's Degree with honors from the New England Conservatory of Music in 2008. While in Boston, he instructed keyboard harmony courses at New England Conservatory and served as faculty at the Allegro Music School. He also directed a week-long guitar educational program in Vermont, “Guitar Intensive," which was sponsored by the Huntington Valley Arts organization.
In 2008, Elden accepted a teaching assistantship at Michigan State University to serve as a graduate assistant to bassist and Jazz Studies chairman Rodney Whitaker. In addition to performing, Elden maintains a private teaching studio in East Lansing, MI.
Listen to radio podcast interview at link here to hear him discuss his views and understanding of jazz music and a sample of his playing and vocals as well.
Also a studied singer and songwriter, he entrances audiences with a style composed of diverse elements that speak about something fresh, relevant, urgent and new in today's world. His interest in international styles led him to the oud (a fretless Egyptian lute) and the glissentar (a 12-stringed fretless guitar) instruments which he now incorporates into many of his performances. In addition to instrumental improvisation, Elden also works as a singer-songwriter, whose musical style blends jazz and neo-classicism with middle-eastern influences and American roots music.
Elden received his Bachelor's Degree with honors from the New England Conservatory of Music in 2008. While in Boston, he instructed keyboard harmony courses at New England Conservatory and served as faculty at the Allegro Music School. He also directed a week-long guitar educational program in Vermont, “Guitar Intensive," which was sponsored by the Huntington Valley Arts organization.
In 2008, Elden accepted a teaching assistantship at Michigan State University to serve as a graduate assistant to bassist and Jazz Studies chairman Rodney Whitaker. In addition to performing, Elden maintains a private teaching studio in East Lansing, MI.
Listen to radio podcast interview at link here to hear him discuss his views and understanding of jazz music and a sample of his playing and vocals as well.
