ABOUT

Austin Richardson, currently Visiting Lecturer of Trombone at Baylor University, has enjoyed a varied career as an orchestral trombonist and educator. Austin has 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. During the summers, Austin has performed with the Lakes Area Music Festival (Brainerd, MN), the Artosphere Festival Orchestra (Fayetteville, AR), and the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music (Santa Cruz, CA). 

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 three-time prizewinner at the International Women’s Brass Conference, and a concerto competition winner at 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 January of 2026, Austin made his solo debut with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra performing Carlos Simon's "Troubled Water" concerto for trombone and orchestra. Austin has presented 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. Prior to joining the faculty at Baylor University, Austin held teaching positions at Loyola University New Orleans and Tarrant County College Southeast in Arlington, Texas. In addition to collegiate teaching, Austin has taught elementary through high school students as a private instructor, as well as a teaching artist for Kids' Orchestra and the LPO Academy. Austin 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. Beginning in the fall of 2026, Austin will hold the title of Assistant Professor of Trombone at Baylor University. More information about the Baylor trombone studio can be found here: https://music.baylor.edu/trombone

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.