Larson is the director of music education, assistant professor and assistant director of bands at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago.

She received her bachelor’s degree in music education from Millikin and master’s degree in music education from VanderCook College of Music.

Prior to her appointment at VanderCook in 2004, Larson had a successful 12-year career in both private and public education. She was the recipient of the Illinois Grade School Music Association 2002 Barbara Buehlman Young Conductor Award and the 2004 Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award.

She has acted as a guest conductor and clinician for over 400 bands across the U.S. and Canada and presented workshops and/or conducted at numerous music educator conferences and festivals.