Austin Allen is a freelancing percussionist and composer based in Dallas, Texas. Austin is trained in classical percussion as well as timpani, jazz vibraphone, drum set, hand drumming, and accessory percussion.

 

Austin recently graduated from Southern Methodist University, where he obtained his Performance Diploma in orchestral percussion. He also holds a Masters in Percussion Performance from New England Conservatory and a BM from Duquesne University. 

Austin has performed with many orchestras including the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Fort Worth Symphony, the New World Symphony, the Las Colinas Symphony, the Lawton Philharmonic, the Mesquite Philharmonic, the Butler Symphony, the Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, and the Du Bois Symphony. He has also worked with chamber groups including the NOW Ensemble and the SICPP Ensemble.  

 

Austin has had the pleasure of working under many renowned conductors including Peter Oundjian, Karina Canellakis, Hugh Wolf, Robert Spano, John Williams, Andrew Litton, and Marvin Hamlisch. 

Aside from his classical background, Austin Allen also plays in a variety of jazz ensembles including the Kipp Brewer Quartet and his own band "Zizzy Blue" alongside renowned singer/songwriter Anastasia Hagermann. 

 

As well as performing, Austin is a consummate composer,  known primarily for composing pieces for various percussion instruments as well as chamber works featuring vibraphone. 

Austin has won various competitions including the Western PA Percussive Arts Society Snare Drum Competition,  the Duquesne Women's Advisory Board Competition, as well as the Duquesne Orchestral Concerto competition.  

Austin has also been featured on NPR's radio program "From the Top" and has released a jazz fusion album on which he plays vibraphone, percussion, and piano.