Pianist, composer, author, and educator Charlie Austin has influenced an entire generation of western Canadian jazz musicians. As a performer, Charlie’s versatility and musicianship have seen him establish a solid career for the past four decades, playing in a wide range of settings from festivals, clubs, concerts and theatres as well as recording and television studios. He has appeared with a diversity of stars such as Mel Torme, Henry Mancini, Robert Goulet, Viki Carr, Connie Stevens and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra to name a few. Charlie occasionally plays for visiting jazz vocal artists at the Yardbird Suite, including Trudy Desmond, Jeri Brown, and Flora Ware amongst others.

The now-retired former chair of the Piano Department at Grant MacEwan University taught keyboards, jazz theory, ear training, ensembles and improvisation for nearly thirty years, and inspired many students who have gone on to become leaders on the scene today. He continues to encourage aspiring musicians during his frequent appearances at local jam sessions.
 
He holds a M. Mus. Ed. from the University of Victoria, a B. Mus. from the University of British Columbia in piano performance, and an A.R.C.T. diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music (University of Toronto). His piano studies began in Vancouver with Edward Parker, and continued at UBC with Barbara Custance.

A published author, Charlie has released 450 Contemporary Piano Studies in 15 Keys, followed by An Approach to Jazz Piano: Volume 1, resource books for music students, Reviewers have praised the books for their well-written, well-informed approach to music instruction.  An Approach to Jazz Piano: Volume 1 has also become a popular handbook for professional jazz musicians.