Kevin Austin Award

Our goal

To create an award for Electroacoustic Studies students in honour of Kevin Austin.

For almost 40 years, Kevin Austin has educated the next generation of leaders in the field of electroacoustic studies. Among the many awards that he has established in the Department of Music, none bear his name.

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Electroacoustic Studies program — which he established — we seek to recognize Kevin Austin's contributions and legacy by creating an award in his honour.

Recognize Kevin Austin's contributions and legacy of educating the next generation of musicians in the field of electroacoustic studies.

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Kevin Austin

For nearly four decades, Kevin Austin has been a dedicated faculty member and supporter of the Department of Music. He began teaching in the 1970's as a co-teacher for two courses at Sir George Williams University. As a full-time Concordia faculty member, Kevin Austin has taught many courses at the Department of Music, including in Electroacoustic Studies, the unique program he helped implement almost twenty years ago.

Photo Credit: Brian Campbell

Inspired by those who have helped him growing up, Austin's spirit of giving began early in his career as a full-time faculty member, dedicating portions of his salary to support students. His aim has been to create a collection of awards to provide more opportunities for student recognition. He helped create the Electroacoustic Studies Award, and also supports the Student Emergency and Food Fund. He is a firm believer that his acts of kindness, inspired by those he has received on his own journey, will in turn inspire students to support those who follow them in future generations.

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Electroacoustic Studies program, we seek to honour Kevin's extraordinary contributions to students and the Department of Music, by creating an award bearing his name.

Kevin Austin in 2019 with recipients of some of the awards he has created.

Message from the chair

Mark Corwin, Chair

For nearly four decades, Kevin Austin has nurtured rising stars in the discipline of Electroacoustic Studies. In addition to being an inspiring educator, Kevin is also an avid supporter of accessible education and a generous philanthropist. Thanks to Kevin's generosity, his award recipients excel in many areas of electroacoustic art, such as performance, composition and recording. He has established numerous awards in support of our students, but none bear his name.

Our goal is to create an award that will give us a unique opportunity to recognize Kevin’s generosity in a meaningful way and highlight his contributions to the Department of Music and the Canadian electroacoustic community at large.

I have taken the lead in establishing the Kevin Austin Award, and continue contributing to the fund. I encourage all alumni and friends to extend their support, because every donation counts! Give today and help us ensure Kevin’s legacy.

“I started hearing everything differently the day Professor Kevin Austin moved theatrically about the classroom while he spoke to introduce us to the varying acoustic properties of the space.”

Sarah Neufeld, BFA 03 (Electroacoustic Studies), violinist, composer, producer, and member of the Grammy Award-winning band Arcade Fire