Austin Richardson, DMA Candidate

Austin Richardson has enjoyed a varied career as an orchestral trombonist, soloist, and educator. He currently serves as the Assistant Professor of Trombone at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Prior to his appointment at Baylor, Austin held principal trombone positions with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, and the Richardson Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Austin Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Winds, Waco Symphony Orchestra, Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra, Monroe Symphony Orchestra, Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, Meridian Symphony Orchestra, Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra, Mobile Symphony Orchestra, and The Florida Orchestra. Currently, Austin performs in the summer as Co-Principal Trombone at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music in Santa Cruz, California. Austin has also previously performed at the Lakes Area Music Festival (Brainerd, MN), the Artosphere Festival Orchestra (Fayetteville, AR), and the National Orchestral Institute + Festival (College Park, MD). 

As a soloist, Austin has been a finalist in the American Trombone Workshop’s National Solo Competition, a semi-finalist in the International Jeju Brass Competition, a 2nd place prizewinner at the International Women’s Brass Conference, and a concerto competition winner at both Louisiana State University and the University of North Texas. He has performed as soloist with the LSU Trombone Choir, LSU Philharmonia, and the UNT Concert Orchestra. In 2026, Austin made his solo debut with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, performing Carlos Simon's "Troubled Water" concerto for trombone and orchestra. Austin has performed multiple times at the International Trombone Festival through the Performing Artist Showcase series to highlight underperformed works. Dedicated to expanding the instrument's repertoire, he has helped commission new works for trombone from Brad Edwards, James Beckel, Iris Ceulemans, Christopher Sharpe, Henry Dorn, MJ Halco-Haack, Samantha Hogan, Lisa Neher, and Madeline Lee.

Equally passionate about music education and pedagogy, Austin has taught low brass at all levels throughout Louisiana and Texas. Austin has previously held collegiate positions as an instructor at Loyola University New Orleans and Tarrant County College in Arlington, Texas. As an advocate of equal access to music education, Austin is proud to have been a teaching artist for Kids' Orchestra and the LPO Academy where he taught elementary through high school students. Austin has also presented guest recitals and masterclasses at the University of South Alabama, Louisiana State University, Tarleton State University, the University of Texas at Arlington, and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Austin holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music (BM), Louisiana State University (MM), and is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of North Texas. His primary teachers have included Steve Menard, Hana Beloglavec, Larry Zalkind, and John Marcellus. Aside from his musical life, Austin enjoys spending time with his wife, Erika, their son, Elliott, and their two Australian Shepherds.