Kevin Austin

For more than 55 years, Kevin Austin has educated and inspired the next generation of leaders in the field of electroacoustic studies. A popular professor and dedicated supporter of the Department of Music, his students have described him as fascinating, brilliant and life-changing.

Austin began teaching in 1970 as a co-teacher for two courses at Sir George Williams University, one of Concordia’s founding institutions.

In 2000, he oversaw the implementation of the Major in Electroacoustic Studies, a unique program focused on refining the development of the ear, from solid hearing skills to the creative ability to work with sound that comes from a loudspeaker. In 1984, he co-founded the Canadian Electroacoustic Community.

Composition and education have been key focuses throughout his career, with his body of compositional work encompassing pieces for solo and small instrumental ensembles, as well as for film, dance, experimental theatre, and nearly every aspect of electroacoustic composition.

Austin's spirit of giving began early in his career as a full-time faculty member, dedicating portions of his salary to support students. He has since established numerous financial awards and created the Electroacoustic Studies Award Endowment Fund, which now provides eight awards annually. He is a firm believer that his acts of kindness, “giving forward” — inspired by those he received on his own journey — will inspire students to invest in the education of the next generation.

He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in music composition from McGill University. 

Austin received the Concordia University Alumni Association's Outstanding Staff and Faculty Award in 2025.