Biography

Austin Phillips holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied under Mr. Antonio Pompa-Baldi. He began playing the piano at the age of six and was previously a student of Dr. Jed Galant, Mr. John McCarthy, and Ms. Zita Sandor.

From the age of eight through high school, Austin actively participated in numerous piano competitions across the Bay Area, earning multiple awards. In 2009, he received the People’s Choice Award in KDFC’s Classical Star Search. His competition experience includes the Zeiter Competition, East Bay Music Festival, Ross McKee Piano Competition, and the United States Open Music Competition, among others.

In addition to his solo work, Austin is a dedicated chamber musician. He has attended esteemed chamber music programs such as California Summer Music and Summer Music West. His piano duo was selected to perform at the Peggy and Malkin Festival at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He has also performed in masterclasses for distinguished artists including Pascal Nemirovski, Stephan Möller, Frank Weins, Anne Louise Turgeon, Edward Turgeon, Elizabeth Bergmann, and Marcel Bergmann.

Austin is also a passionate piano instructor, dedicated to mentoring students of all ages and skill levels. He emphasizes both technical proficiency and artistic expression, helping students develop a deep appreciation for music.

Beyond his performance and teaching career, Austin has served as an accompanist for youth violinists and choirs, including the Cantabella Children’s Chorus. He is also deeply committed to community outreach, regularly volunteering his talents at festivals, veterans' residences, and senior living communities.