Born into a musical family, Alden began studying music at five years old with the Suzuki Technique. After several years of intensive ear training, he began studying classical piano, cementing the foundation of his broad interests across genres. He continued to study piano as his interest in viola and electric bass began to blossom in his middle school years. High school led to playing bass in his sister’s band as he began to perform on viola seriously.

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For college, his acceptance at the Berklee College of Music for viola performance was a highlight, but due to tendonitis-related injuries, he declined attending. He instead began to study audio engineer at Spokane Falls Community College. From this experience, he learned that he is a performer and not an engineer.

He now resides in Portland, Oregon, and plays in multiple projects regularly. He attended Portland State University to earn a degree in philosophy, as the conceptual boundaries between perception and creation have always interested him. He constantly draws on his past as a classical musician in chamber groups as he performs with groups currently, but also enjoys drawing upon influences from classic rock, progressive rock, funk, and alternative hip hop as he creates new music.