Instruments
Violin/Fiddle
Mandolin
Guitar
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Audio Technology, Ethnomusicology, and Social Justice from Fairhaven College at Western Washington University, 2023
Skills & Training
Violin/Fiddle (Beginner to Advanced)
Mandolin (Beginner to Advanced)
Flatpick Guitar (Beginner to Intermediate)
Specializes in bluegrass, old-time, country, folk, etc.
Music Theory
Sight Reading
Teaches primarily by ear
Bio
Having first picked up the fiddle at age 6 and the guitar and mandolin only a few years later, Kian grew up attending various bluegrass festivals and fiddle camps all over the West Coast. After playing in numerous bands in his teens and early 20s in Portland, Oregon, Kian moved to Bellingham, Washington where he founded the band Virginia Rail and produced and mixed their self-titled debut album in 2022.
In 2023, Kian finished his undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Fairhaven College at Western Washington University, where his studies focused on audio technology, ethnomusicology, and social justice. Also during this time, Kian was the recipient of the Oregon Bluegrass Association’s Steve Waller Grant, and won the 2023 Monroe Mandolin Appreciation Society Tune Writing Contest hosted by Christopher Henry (Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band).
As a teacher, Kian believes that each student has unique goals and challenges and that his job is to help you define what those are and to give you the tools you need to succeed in your musical journey.
Kian does not believe in a one-size-fits-all teaching method, and instead tries to cater to each student’s individual needs. Kian is looking for motivated students who are willing to put in the time and effort necessary to improve and grow as a musician. An interest in bluegrass/acoustic roots music styles is highly encouraged.
Influences
David Grisman, Vassar Clements, Bill Monroe, Stuart Duncan, Chris Thile, Doc Watson, Tony Rice, Clarence White, Stephane Grappelli, Django Reinhardt, Kenny Baker, Bobby Hicks, Julian Lage, Bill Frisell, Nickel Creek, Bela Fleck, John Hartford, Ronnie McCoury, Mandolin Orange, Hank Williams, Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Sam Bush, Brandi Carlile, and many, many more.
Current Projects
Kian Dye Band
Discography
Virginia Rail - "Virginia Rail" 2022,
Andy Bunn - "Hickory" 2022
Kian Dye - "Kian Dye" 2023