Leif Austin
Leif Austin
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Leif Austin: trumpeter, host, teaching artist and arts administrator
Performances · Projects · Writing and Resources
Classical music’s
old story
can be a barrier
for new audiences.
Leif lets them in.
Music in Our Schools >
40,000 students reached. 60+ school concerts. 20+ schools across 6+ cities in New Mexico.
Available for travel.
Has worked with >
Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival · Carnegie Hall Link Up · Symphony of the Southwest · Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestras · Olga Kern International Piano Competition · New Mexico Philharmonic · Vancouver Brass Collective · Heifetz International Music Institute
Testimonials
Testimonials
“
a profoundly
meaningful
experience
Ivy Ross
Director of Education and Outreach
Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival
Leif is not only a phenomenal musician but also a deeply inspiring teacher and performer whose talent leaves a lasting impression. His profound perspective on life and learning is a true gift to anyone fortunate enough to collaborate with him or attend his presentations. Above all, his genuine care for his audience and his dedication to the greater good make working with him a profoundly meaningful experience.
“
the true
light
of music
Jessie Tatum
Flautist
Working with Leif is a real pleasure! He is thoughtful, personable, and brings the true light of music to the audience. His gifts radiate through his interactions, on and off stage. His depth as a person, presenter, and player is real and visceral. Sharing his musical joy is a gift!
“
a cornerstone
of my
musical
journey
Ryan Lugo
Former student
Leif’s mentorship profoundly shaped my growth, helping me become a much better musician and deepening my understanding of the art of trumpet playing. His influence remains a cornerstone of my musical journey.
“
the balance
of
artistry and
teaching
Julie Desbordes
Artistic Director, Symphony of the Southwest; Director of Orchestras
University of Arizona
Few musicians embody the balance of artistry and teaching as naturally as Leif Austin does. Throughout the years that I have known him, I have admired not only his exceptional musicianship but also his unwavering commitment to education. Leif has a unique gift for inspiring confidence and a love of music in young players while cultivating excellence. His influence extends far beyond the classroom and the stage, enriching the lives of countless students, colleagues, and audience members.
“
enhances
the experience
of everyone
in the room
Jason Caslor
Director of Bands
Arizona State University
A polished and professional performer who enhances the experience of everyone in the room.
“
an
absolute
delight
Nichole Ecklund
Operations Manager
Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestras
Working with Leif has been an absolute delight. His professionalism, communication, and artistry are invaluable. He has a great eye for detail and always makes sure that things are done correctly, promptly, and with ease. I look forward to continue working with him in the future!
“
a profoundly
meaningful
experience
Ivy Ross
Director of Education and Outreach
Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival
Leif is not only a phenomenal musician but also a deeply inspiring teacher and performer whose talent leaves a lasting impression. His profound perspective on life and learning is a true gift to anyone fortunate enough to collaborate with him or attend his presentations. Above all, his genuine care for his audience and his dedication to the greater good make working with him a profoundly meaningful experience.
“
the true
light
of music
Jessie Tatum
Flautist
Working with Leif is a real pleasure! He is thoughtful, personable, and brings the true light of music to the audience. His gifts radiate through his interactions, on and off stage. His depth as a person, presenter, and player is real and visceral. Sharing his musical joy is a gift!
“
a cornerstone
of my
musical
journey
Ryan Lugo
Former student
Leif’s mentorship profoundly shaped my growth, helping me become a much better musician and deepening my understanding of the art of trumpet playing. His influence remains a cornerstone of my musical journey.
“
the balance
of
artistry and
teaching
Julie Desbordes
Artistic Director, Symphony of the Southwest; Director of Orchestras
University of Arizona
Few musicians embody the balance of artistry and teaching as naturally as Leif Austin does. Throughout the years that I have known him, I have admired not only his exceptional musicianship but also his unwavering commitment to education. Leif has a unique gift for inspiring confidence and a love of music in young players while cultivating excellence. His influence extends far beyond the classroom and the stage, enriching the lives of countless students, colleagues, and audience members.
“
enhances
the experience
of everyone
in the room
Jason Caslor
Director of Bands
Arizona State University
A polished and professional performer who enhances the experience of everyone in the room.
“
an
absolute
delight
Nichole Ecklund
Operations Manager
Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestras
Working with Leif has been an absolute delight. His professionalism, communication, and artistry are invaluable. He has a great eye for detail and always makes sure that things are done correctly, promptly, and with ease. I look forward to continue working with him in the future!
01
Music in Our Schools
Music in Our Schools
Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival
Writer, arranger and host · Santa Fe, New Mexico · 2022 to now
School concerts where instruments become characters and the students help tell the story. Leif writes the script, chooses the music and hosts every show.
01
Music in Our Schools
Music in Our Schools
Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival
Writer, arranger and host · Santa Fe, New Mexico · 2022 to now
School concerts where instruments become characters and the students help tell the story. Leif writes the script, chooses the music and hosts every show.
01
Music in Our Schools
Music in Our Schools
Writer, arranger and host · Santa Fe, New Mexico · 2022 to now
School concerts where instruments become characters and the students help tell the story. Leif writes the script, chooses the music and hosts every show.
02
Link Up with Carnegie Hall
Link Up with Carnegie Hall
Symphony of the Southwest
Writer and host · Mesa and Gilbert, Arizona · 2026 to now
1,600 students from Mesa and Gilbert play along with a full orchestra, with Leif writing and hosting the show.
02
Link Up with Carnegie Hall
Link Up with Carnegie Hall
Symphony of the Southwest
Writer and host · Mesa and Gilbert, Arizona · 2026 to now
1,600 students from Mesa and Gilbert play along with a full orchestra, with Leif writing and hosting the show.
02
Link Up with Carnegie Hall
Link Up with Carnegie Hall
Writer and host · Mesa and Gilbert, Arizona · 2026 to now
1,600 students from Mesa and Gilbert play along with a full orchestra, with Leif writing and hosting the show.
03
Olga Kern International Piano Competition
Olga Kern International Piano Competition
Stage manager
Stage manager and venue liaison · 2022 to 2023
Twenty pianists, eight judges, ten Steinways and one stage that has to run on time.
03
Olga Kern International Piano Competition
Olga Kern International Piano Competition
Stage manager
Stage manager and venue liaison · 2022 to 2023
Twenty pianists, eight judges, ten Steinways and one stage that has to run on time.
03
Olga Kern International Piano Competition
Olga Kern International Piano Competition
Stage manager and venue liaison · 2022 to 2023
Twenty pianists, eight judges, ten Steinways and one stage that has to run on time.
About
Trumpeter, host, teaching artist and arts administrator. Whichever hat he’s wearing, Leif is doing the same job. He gets more people listening to classical music.
+ About Leif
+ About Leif