BIO
Violinist and Philadelphia native Austin Haley Berman began exploring diverse music at the age of five, free-styling to Buckwheat Zydeco, mime-conducting 1940s Looney Tunes soundtracks, and juggling bright orange Sil-X balls to the Electric Light Orchestra. Twenty-one years later, Austin’s musical curiosity hasn't abated. With an eye on musical innovation and global inclusion, Austin has the goal of reimagining the music and entertainment industries.
Austin’s classical studies have spanned New York City, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia with primary teachers including Li Lin (The Juilliard School), Robert Lipsett (The Colburn School), Francesca dePasquale (Oberlin Conservatory), William dePasquale and Choong-Jin Chang (The Philadelphia Orchestra) and concertmaster training from Glenn Dicterow and Sheryl Staples (New York Philharmonic).
Recognized for his musical and academic achievements internationally, Austin graduated with honors from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs as the only University Scholar student in a decade. He studied international relations, Chinese politics, and Mandarin while traveling to Juilliard for weekly violin lessons, to Miami for performances with the New World Symphony, and abroad for international competitions.
Austin has served as concertmaster of the Juilliard Orchestra, Music Academy of the West Festival Orchestra, and the Aspen Music Festival Chamber Symphony. Austin was the winner of the Bronze Medal in the 2016 Stulberg International String Competition, a semi-finalist in the 2016 Irving M. Klein International Competition, and a finalist in the 2018 Singapore International and Joseph Joachim International Violin Competitions.
In June 2021, Austin graduated with a master's degree (M.M.) in violin performance from The Juilliard School. Whether as a performer, advocate, or future business leader, Austin’s unique cultural and musical experiences drive his aspirations in and beyond the concert hall. He is Executive Director of Concerts for Compassion, a consultant, violin teacher, and Chicago Booth Scholar currently residing in Washington, D.C.