ABOUT ME
Austin Hass is a multi-faceted 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 versitile musician with with a distinct style and sound you'll instantly recognize. He has performed on numerous recordings and has been heard performing at events including the Monterey Jazz Festival, Jazz in the Valley, the JEN Conference, the PDX Jazz Festival, City Park Jazz Festival, the Brasswick Music Festival, the Groove for Thought Jazz Festival and performed on the Norwegian Jewel cruise ship in the showband. He has performed and collaborated with many outstanding jazz, classical and contemporary artists including Brad Leali, Kate Reid, Groove for Thought, Josh Nelson, Halie Loren, Erin Bentlage, Johnaye Kendrick, Amanda Taylor, the Guerilla Fanfare Brass Band, Steve Owen's Monday Big Band, the Yakima Symphony and many others.
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. Austin's passion for music grew through the distinguished Mountain View High School music program and ultimately 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. Among other honors and achievements at CWU, Austin performed with the highly aclaimed CWU Jazz Band 1 at the invitational Next Generation Jazz Festival where the band earned 1st place for outstanding college big band.
Shortly after his time at CWU Austin earned a full-ride graduate teaching assistantship to 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 assistantship award, he was a selected member of the 2019-2020 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.
Dedicated to education, Austin has taught private lessons for nearly a decade to all age groups. He has also provided masterclasses and clinics to all levels of students including Morgan Middle School, West Valley High School, Lane Community College, University of Oregon, Northwest College, Mountain View High School, and many other institutions. Furthermore, Austin has created courses on Skillshare that feature drum educational content through video lesson format. 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 and Paul Krueger.