Austin Pancner

Praised as a versatile performer, educator, and wellness advocate, Austin Pancner is Bass Trombone of the Southwest Florida Symphony and has performed with ensembles including the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. As a soloist, he was the winner of the IWBC Bass Trombone Division 2 Solo Competition (2022), runner-up in the Indianapolis Musicale Matinee Solo Competition (2020), and a finalist in the American Trombone Workshop (2018).

As an educator and clinician, Austin regularly presents at festivals such as the International Trombone Festival and the International Women’s Brass Conference, and has given more than 30 masterclasses and workshops at institutions including Vanderbilt University, Indiana University, DePaul University, and Rutgers University. As an advocate for musician health and sustainability, he founded The Functional Musician, an online coaching company focused on injury prevention and recovery, which has supported over 60 musicians worldwide. He holds certifications in health and wellness from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Precision Nutrition, Functional Movement Systems, and The Ready State.

Austin is currently completing his Doctor of Music degree as a doctoral candidate, with an expected graduation date of December 2023. He earned a Performers Diploma and Master’s Degree from Indiana University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Carthage College. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, he balances his professional work with family life alongside his wife, Rebecca, and their mini goldendoodle, Poochini.