Ken Hardin, pianist/conductor/artistic director, was born in Whittier, CA. He began piano lessons at the age of 4, and also studied violin, trumpet, accordion and voice. Hardin received a full scholarship to Whittier College, yet prior to finishing his degree, chose to return to playing music professionally in the L.A. metropolitan area.
In Los Angeles, Hardin was noted for jazz, Broadway and some rock & roll. His popular 1970’s jazz group “Big North” disbanded just prior to signing a record contract. Hardin chose to continue his education, receiving a degree in Voice from CSU Northridge along with extensive training in choral and instrumental conducting. Hardin studied conducting under composer, conductor, pianist and arranger Jay Blackton, best known for his work as music director and conductor for Rodgers and Hammerstein. Hardin also studied conducting (and piano stylings) in Los Angeles with the noted composer and arranger Johnny Green. While both attending and instructing at Northridge, Hardin coached many singers who later became successful such as Kurt Hansen (TCCA concert, May 2002, currently in Mamma Mia on Broadway), Steve Lawrence and Edie Gorme’s son Michael Lawrence, actress Lee Remick, and pop sensation Leif Erickson. He directed, composed, and accompanied for musicals and played for auditions throughout Los Angeles. He was sought out as pianist for honor choirs by choral conductors such as Paul Schumonovich and Roger Wagner. He continued on the faculty at CSU Northridge until moving to Nevada County in 1984 to raise his children.
Hardin has become entrenched in the performing arts in this area and is sought out as a pianist, conductor, coach and teacher. More recently, Hardin has performed for Music in the Mountains, Twin Cities Concert Associatin, Reno Philharmonic, Auburn Symphony, Chico New Music Symposium, and Nevada County Composers Coalition. Hardin currently serves as Artistic Director for TCCA, Conductor for Orchestre Panache (TCCA), Choral Conductor for Sierra College Choir Nevada County Campus, faculty at Sierra College, freelance pianist, and Musical Director for Foothill Theatre Company. He adjudicates for and serves on many ad hoc and board committees for different groups.
Hardin’s music know-how spans the genres of jazz, Broadway, classical and rock & roll with a strong and diverse experience and education in conducting, performing and coaching. Hardin can fill in wherever needed musically and is often called on to do so.