Before completing his studies at Eastman, he accepted an offer from Leopold Stokowski to become the Principal Trumpet of the Houston Symphony, effective following his graduation.
He continued in this position from 1960–1977, under the direction of several orchestral conductors including Stokowski, André Previn, John Barbirolli, and Lawrence Foster.
His students hold positions in the orchestras of Calgary, Vancouver, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and Louisville.
In addition, many of his students have become noted teachers in their own right in many different colleges and universities, high schools, and private studios.
[2] Austin currently resides in southwest Houston and enjoys a growing private trumpet teaching practice.