Austin Frohmader

Piano Faculty

Austin Frohmader is a pianist, composer, and educator based in Minnesota. He holds an Artist Diploma and a Master of Music in Piano Performance from Ball State University School of Music, where he studied with Dr. Ray Kilburn. He earned a Bachelor of Music in Composition from the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston, studying composition with Dr. Marcus Maroney and piano with Nancy Weems, with a special emphasis in piano. In high school, his training included intensive pre-college performance studies at Crocus Hill Studios under Dr. Joseph Zins.

As a performer, Austin has appeared as a concerto soloist with the Minnesota Orchestra, LaCrosse Symphony Orchestra, Ball State Symphony Orchestra, Moores School Symphony Orchestra, Northern Symphony Orchestra, and the Mississippi Valley Orchestra. As First Prize winner of the Young People’s Symphony Concert Association (YPSCA) Concerto Competition, he performed nine times with the Minnesota Orchestra at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. He has also participated in masterclasses with internationally recognized artists, including Angela Hewitt, John Corigliano, Alessio Bax, Christopher O’Riley, Kenny Broberg, and Arie Vardi.

In addition to performing, Austin is a dedicated teacher who enjoys working with students of all ages and experience levels. While completing his graduate studies at Ball State University, he held a full graduate assistantship, teaching all four levels of the university’s Group Piano curriculum. He also accompanied several choirs, the symphony orchestra, and the wind ensemble, and regularly collaborated in chamber music settings. His piano teaching emphasizes strong fundamentals, thoughtful interpretation, and the development of expressive performance.