Carson was born and raised in the small Southern California town of Solvang. His foremost teachers and mentors are Steven Dann and Helen Callus. Other musical influences include C.J. Chang, Carrie Dennis, Mark Menzies, Tim Ying, and a wealth of inspiring colleagues. After graduating from University of California, Santa Barbara, he moved to Los Angeles to work in the field before continuing his education. In this time, he had the opportunity to sub with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and wild Up Ensemble. He also won positions with the American Youth Symphony and Debut Orchestra. After two years of freelancing, Carson moved to Toronto to study at the Glenn Gould School of Music with the Canadian violist, Steven Dann, on a full tuition scholarship.

His festival appearances include Domaine Forget, Aspen Music Festival, Hvide Sande Masterclasses, New Music for Strings in Denmark, and Foulger’s International Music Festival. Carson is a strong advocate of contemporary music. He has performed world premieres of works by Osvaldo Golijov, Christopher Rountree, Mark Menzies, Rand Steiger, and Vinny Golia and a long lasting relationship with composer, Miller Wrenn who has written many works for Carson. Shortly after joining the Zelter String Quartet, he placed First Prize in the 2023 Plowman Chamber Competition. When not playing or practicing, Carson is an avid chess fan, crossword enthusiast, baker, home cook, and moviegoer. Carson plays on a viola from 1997 made by the Los Angeles maker Eric Benning.