Austin holds a Bachelor of Music Education from University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, where he spent his time developing his pedagogy skills with Dr. Ann Porter, as well as focusing on technical ability in classical repertoire with Dr. James Bunte and improvising in jazz big bands with veteran jazz legend Craig Bailey. He has worked extensively with woodwind students in Southern Ohio districts such as Milford and Sycamore, where his students are regularly accepted into (and featured in performances of) local competitive ensembles like Ohio All State Bands, Cincinnati Youth Wind Ensemble, and Cincinnati Youth Jazz Orchestra.