Bio

Austin has won awards at events including the Percussive Arts Society Drum Set competition and the Next Generation Jazz festival. Additionally, he has collaborated and performed with GRAMMY winning and nominated musicians including Rosana Eckert, Erin Bentlage, Johnaye Kendrick, and Amanda Taylor. Other musical collaborations include performances with Brad Leali, Kate Reid, Groove for Thought, Josh Nelson, Gabriel Mervine, Ben Markley, Halie Loren, the Guerrilla Fanfare Brass Band, Chantil Dukart, Steve Owen, the Yakima Symphony, Aurora Symphony, and many others. 

Austin’s teaching philosophy revolves around tailoring lessons to the students' interests and needs. An expert in a variety of styles and techniques, Austin’s goal is to help students achieve the level of playing they desire through technique, improvisation, style studies and listening. Austin holds a BA in percussion performance from Central Washington University and an MM in jazz studies from the University of Oregon. He has studied drum set and percussion with Gary Hobbs, Mark Goodenberger, Mel Brown, Chris Whyte and Dave Tull. 

When not teaching, Austin is an active performer in the Northern front range music scene. He can be heard performing with groups such as the Guerilla Fanfare Brass Band and the Chantil Dukart Trio to name a few. Outside of music Austin enjoys hiking with his family and walking his amazing dog Sadie!