Austin Hass is an acclaimed drummer, percussionist, 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 by playing at some of America’s most recognizable jazz 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 Groove for Thought Jazz Festival and even internationally around Japan. Similarly, Austin has routinely collaborated with Grammy nominated musicians throughout the years, including Erin Bentlage, Johnaye Kendrick, and Amanda Taylor. Other notable collaborations include Brad Leali, Kate Reid, Groove for Thought, Josh Nelson, Halie Loren, the Guerilla Fanfare Brass Band, Steve Owen's Monday Big Band, the Yakima Symphony and many others.

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Austin’s breadth of experience encompasses a wide range of styles and techniques that he has developed over the last decade. His approach is defined by his fluency in the jazz drum set tradition while still incorporating other genres into his playing from fusion, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and funk. These styles have fused with Austin's many years of studying classical percussion.

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Born in Portland Oregon and raised in Vancouver Washington, Austin was introduced to the drums at the early age of 2 when he received his first drum set. His early musical pursuits began with piano lessons and spending time listening to a wide range of musical styles from rock to jazz. Austin's passion for music grew throughout high school and led him to Central Washington University (CWU) where he earned his degree of Bachelor of Arts in Music in 2017 studying contemporary and orchestral percussion performance with Mark Goodenberger. Shortly after his time at CWU Austin earned a full-ride graduate teaching assistantship at the University of Oregon (U of O) where he obtained his degree of Master of Music in Jazz Studies in 2020 studying drum set with Stan Kenton alumni Gary Hobbs. In addition to his teaching assistantship award, Austin was a selected member of the Herb Merker JazzArts Oregon Scholarship combo, the U of O's premier small jazz ensemble. At the conclusion of his Masters degree Austin recorded and released his debut album "You are Here" which features 7 original compositions by himself. Most recently, Austin was awarded 2nd place at the international Percussive Arts Society drum set competition in Indianapolis, IN where he competed with other drummers from around the world. 

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Dedicated to education, Austin has taught private lessons for nearly a decade to all age groups. He has also provided masterclasses and clinics to students ranging from elementary to university level. Austin is currently a drum set and percussion instructor at Denver Percussion in Denver, CO and is accepting new students. In addition to his private teachers, Austin owes much of his development to the fantastic educators he has worked with over the years including Chris Bruya, Kelly Pierce, Steve Owen, Sam Ormson, Larry Gookin, and Paul Krueger.

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