Kyan Carlson is a first-year student at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, pursuing dual degrees in Music and Economics.  He began piano lessons at age six, and began learning horn at age nine from his mother, Andrea Carlson, 4th horn in the Dakota Symphony Orchestra.  Carlson is a proud product of the SDSO's musical talent, having studied under four of its horn players including Daniel Kitchens, Jenna McBride-Harris, Jason Rygg, and his mom.

He was principal horn his entire high school career in the South Dakota Symphony Youth Orchestra, South Dakota All-State Orchestra & All-State Band, and the Sioux Falls Lincoln Symphonic Band and Orchestra.  Carlson was also the pianist with the ward-winning Sioux Falls Lincoln Jazz Collective.  In 2024, he won the SDSO Young Musician Concerto Competition, was the recipient of the John Philip Sousa Award, and was awarded the President's Award for Educational Excellence.  

Carlson spent the summer of 2024 performing as one of the youngest members of the World Champion Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps.  He is currently co-principal horn of the St. Olaf Orchestra and St. Olaf Band.

After college, Carlson hopes to balance his musical and business interests by exploring both paths professionally.