Originating from Collins Ohio, Austen began taking private lessons at a very young age. His started with the drums, then learned piano and bass guitar. After finishing high school he moved to Boston, Massachusetts to attend the Berklee College of Music where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance. Shortly after, Austen moved to Oberlin Ohio where he attended Oberlin Conservatory in pursuit of a master’s degree. Upon completion of his Master’s Degree in Music Teaching, he moved to Phoenix Arizona where he has been working for the last 12 years as a Band Director at Morris K. Udall in the Isaac School District. He now lives here in Goodyear where he enjoys other hobbies such as reading books, going to the gym, playing video games, and watching movies.