Craftsman, educator, humanitarian.

Alex Austin is dedicated to transforming notions about what music is for and launching the musical arts into a new era of effecting change in the world.

Experience

Scottsdale Community College

2023- Present

 

Arizona State University

2020 – Present

 

In the spring of 2023, Alex accepted as position as Adjunct Instructor of Horn at Scottsdale Community College. In his duty he conducts private lessons, sectional lessons, and recruiting at high schools in the Scottsdale Unified School District. In his capacity as instructor, he is also a member of the Scottsdale Winds, SCC’s faculty woodwind quintet

 

At the beginning of 2020, Alex began his started his doctoral studies at Arizona State University. From fall 2020 to spring 2022, Alex served the ASU horn studio as a graduate assistant to Dr. John Ericson. His responsibilities included teaching private lessons for music education majors and non-majors. Alex expects to graduate with his doctorate of musical arts (DMA) in spring 2024

 

Freelance Artist and Educator

2016 – Present

After obtaining his Master’s Degree, Alex made his way as freelance horn player in the Phoenix metro area. He has performed with groups such as the Salt River Brass, the Phoenix Brass Collective, and the Red Rock Brass Quintet. He is also a substitute musician for the Phoenix Symphony and 4th horn of Musica Nova Orchestra. As part of his mission to transform the musical landscape in the Valley of the Sun, Alex has also helped found Opuntia Winds and Valley Brass, two ensembles dedicated to performing new music and shedding light on underrepresented composers.

 

Education: the New England Conservatory of Music

2014 – 2016

Alex earned his Master’s degree from NEC in Boston, MA under the instruction of Eli Epstein and other faculty. During his time in Boston, Alex was also active in the city’s vibrant freelance scene.

 

Education: Arizona State University

2010-2014

Alex earned his Bachelor’s degree from ASU in Tempe, AZ under the instruction of Dr. John Ericson and other faculty. Alex returned to ASU to start his doctoral studies in 2020.

Alex is a native of Tempe, AZ and grew up surrounded by the wonderful musical community in the Valley of the Sun. Aside from horn, Alex is also a pianist and studied jazz piano for a time. His other interests include history, literature, film, and tabletop roleplaying games. Alex lives in the East Valley with his wife, Kendra, and dogs, Carry and Lug Nut, who bring joy to every day of his life.