Austin Hass is an acclaimed drummer and educator based in Denver Colorado. Described as "continuously unique and entertaining" (KWVA Radio), Austin has established himself as a dynamic, creative, and versatile musician with a distinct style and has performed at many highly regarded music events, including but not limited to the Monterey Jazz Festival, the JEN Conference, the PDX Jazz Festival, Denver City Park Jazz Festival, the Brasswick Music Festival, the Best of the West Music Festival, the Groove for Thought Jazz Festival and even internationally around Eastern Asia with Norwegian Cruise Line. Austin has collaborated and performed with GRAMMY winning and nominated musicians including Rosana Eckert, Erin Bentlage, Johnaye Kendrick, and Amanda Taylor. He has also performed with Brad Leali, Kate Reid, Groove for Thought, Josh Nelson, Emily Braden, Gabriel Mervine, Ben Markley, Halie Loren, the Guerrilla Fanfare Brass Band, Chantil Dukart, the Yakima Symphony, Aurora Symphony, and many others.​

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Born in Portland, Oregon, and raised in Vancouver, Washington, Austin's musical journey began at the age of 2 with his first drum set. His early musical endeavors included piano lessons and exploring various musical styles on the drum set from rock to jazz. While at Mountain View High School, Austin was afforded many performance opportunities with their award winning groups at events including The Midwest Clinic, the NAFME conference, and at numerous regional festivals and competitions. In turn, this sparked his desire to peruse a career in music.  

 

Austin's passion for music led him to earn a BA in classical percussion and drum set performance from Central Washington University and an MM in jazz studies from the University of Oregon, where he served as the drum set graduate teaching fellow. At the conclusion of his masters degree, Austin went on to record and release his debut album "You are Here" which features 7 of his original compositions. Additionally, in 2022, Austin was awarded 2nd place at the Percussive Arts Society drum set competition in Indianapolis, IN where he competed with other drummers from around the world. Since relocating to Denver, CO, Austin has become an in demand voice on the drum set in the greater Front Range music scene. 

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A dedicated educator, Austin has taught private drum lessons for over a decade to students of all ages. He has also conducted masterclasses and clinics for students ranging from beginners to university music majors. Austin has presented clinics and presentations at multiple institutions including Colorado Mesa University, Northwestern College, the University of Oregon, Lane Community College, and numerous public schools throughout Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, and Colorado. As a drum set and percussion instructor at Denver Percussion, Austin continues to inspire and educate new students. His own education has included learning from esteemed educators including Chris Bruya, Kelly Pierce, Steve Owen, Mark Goodenberger, Gary Hobbs, Mel Brown,1 Sam Ormson, Larry Gookin, and Paul Krueger.

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