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-three 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 studied at The Colburn School, Princeton University (A.B.), and The Juilliard School (M.M.). His primary teachers and musical mentors include Li Lin (Juilliard), Glenn Dicterow (ex NY Philharmonic), Sheryl Staples (NY Philharmonic), Robert Lipsett (Colburn), William and Francesca DePasquale (Philadelphia Orchestra; Oberlin Conservatory), and Choong-Jin Chang (Philadelphia Orchestra). 

 

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 the past 15 years. 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 and has held principal positions in the Colburn Orchestra and the American Youth 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.

 

Whether as a performer or future business leader, Austin’s unique musical and cultural experiences drive his aspirations in and beyond the concert hall. He is a consultant, violin teacher, and Chicago Booth MBA candidate currently residing in Chicago.

​

​In his spare time, Austin enjoys playing tennis and chess, listening to jazz, and trying new hotpot restaurants with his fiancée, Amy.

 

​