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 and has performed at some of America’s most recognizable 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 Groove for Thought Jazz Festival and even internationally around Japan. 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, Tom Amend, Gabriel Mervine, Ben Markley, Halie Loren, the Guerrilla Fanfare Brass Band, Chantil Dukart, Steve Owen's Monday Big Band, the Yakima Symphony, Aurora Symphony, and many others.

​

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

​

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 earn his BA in Music in classical percussion from Central Washington University, and an MM in Jazz studies from the University of Oregon. 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. 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 performed with many different local artists and performed at iconic Colorado venues including Dazzle, Nocturne, The Boulder Theater, the Fox Theater, the Aggie Theater, the Ogden Theater, the Roxy on Broadway, Larimer Lounge, the Muse Performance Space, and The Brown Palace to name a few.

​

Austin is a dedicated educator and has taught private lessons for over a decade to all age groups. He has also provided masterclasses and clinics to students ranging from complete beginners to university music majors. Austin is a drum set and percussion instructor at Denver Percussion in the Denver, CO area and is accepting new students. Austin has worked closely with many fantastic educators over the years including Chris Bruya, Kelly Pierce, Steve Owen, Mark Goodenberger, Gary Hobbs, Sam Ormson, Larry Gookin, and Paul Krueger.

​