Welcome, Austin Richardson, Visiting Lecturer of Trombone
The School of Music is excited to introduce Austin Richardson, M.M., who will be joining Baylor as Visiting Lecturer of Trombone this fall.
Richardson has enjoyed a varied career as an orchestral trombonist and educator. He holds the Principal Trombone position with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and is on temporary leave as the principal trombonist with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Prior to his positions in Louisiana, he served as Principal Trombone with the Richardson Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Mobile Symphony Orchestra, Meridian Symphony Orchestra, Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra, Monroe Symphony Orchestra, Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, and the Florida Orchestra. During the summers, he has been a guest musician with the Lakes Area Music Festival, the Artosphere Festival Orchestra and the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music.
“We are excited to welcome Austin Richardson to the School of Music as Visiting Lecturer of Trombone this year,” said Dean Kevin Sanders, D.M.A. “His experience as a seasoned performer with the Louisiana Philharmonic and Baton Rouge Symphony, combined with his dedication to teaching the next generation of musicians, will be a tremendous asset to our students and the brass faculty.”
As a soloist, Richardson has been a finalist in the American Trombone Workshop’s National Solo Competition, a semi-finalist in the International Jeju Brass Competition, a multiple prizewinner at the International Women’s Brass Conference, and a concerto competition winner at both Louisiana State University and the University of North Texas. Richardson presented at the 2023 and 2024 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 and Christopher Sharpe. In January of 2026, Richardson will make his solo debut with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, performing Carlos Simon's "Troubled Water" concerto for trombone and orchestra.
Equally passionate about music education and pedagogy, Richardson has taught low brass at all levels throughout Louisiana and Texas. Prior to joining the faculty at Baylor, he was the Instructor of Trombone at Loyola University New Orleans. In addition to collegiate teaching, he has taught elementary through high school low brass as a teaching artist for Kids' Orchestra, a mentor through the LPO Academy, and as a private instructor. He previously served as a Teaching Fellow at UNT, teaching the brass methods classes and coaching chamber music, and was the Instructor of Low Brass at Tarrant County College in Arlington, TX. Richardson has 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.
Richardson received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music and his Master's degree from Louisiana State University. He is currently a doctoral candidate for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of North Texas. His primary teachers have included Steve Menard, Hana Beloglavec, Larry Zalkind, John Marcellus and Philip Brown. Austin is proud to be an S.E. Shires Artist.
“I’m thrilled to join the outstanding faculty at Baylor University and to work with such dedicated, high-caliber students,” said Richardson. "I have many friends and colleagues that are proud Baylor alumni, and I look forward to helping to continue the strong reputation that Baylor has in the musical world."
Austin Richardson will be responsible for teaching all applied trombone lessons, coaching chamber music, and conducting the Baylor Trombone Choir for the 2025/26 school year.
ABOUT THE BAYLOR UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Celebrating more than 100 years of musical excellence, the Baylor University School of Music provides transformational experiences that prepare students for careers in music. Students thrive in a Christian environment characterized by a nurturing resident faculty, an unwavering pursuit of musical excellence, a global perspective, dedication to service and devotion to faith. They investigate the rich musical and cultural heritage of the past, develop superior musical skills and knowledge in the present, and explore and create new modes of musical expression for the future. While preparing for future leadership roles, students join with School of Music faculty in enhancing the quality of community life, enriching the larger culture and making Baylor a place in which heart, mind and soul coalesce. Baylor’s School of Music is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music and the Texas Association of Music Schools. Degree programs include bachelor’s and master’s degrees in performance, music education and academic majors, as well as doctoral degrees in church music. Degrees leading to the Bachelor of Music Education conform to certification requirements of the Texas Education Agency. Visit the School of Music website to learn more.