Austin Thomas

As an associated faculty member in the Department of Music at The Ohio State University at Lima, Mr. Austin Thomas teaches the Capstone Project – Drumming for Wellness course, as well as several general education courses in music. He also serves as one of the Youth Summer Music Program administrators at OSU Columbus. Mr. Thomas holds degrees in music education from both The Ohio State University, Columbus, and Florida State University, Tallahassee. He has studied under music educators such as Dr. Daryl Kinney, Dr. David Hedgecoth, and Dr. Cliff Madsen. 

He has developed and curated a multi-tiered music technology and sound engineering program curriculum that paves the way for modern music in Central Florida. His research focuses on modern music programs at the secondary level that stemmed from his $me as a successful high school band director and music technology teacher. Mr. Thomas’s awards include the 2021 Award for Excellent Teaching, 2022 Virginia A. Bridges Music Education Teaching Award, and the 2023 Joseph A. Leeder Memorial Fund. Mr. Thomas has also been awarded over $75,000 in grants for his programs, during his $me as a music educator. 

Areas of Expertise

• Music Education 

Education

• The Ohio State University, MA in Music Education
• Florida State University, BME in Music Education