Austin has worked with a wide variety of choral ensembles, including large and small chamber choirs, upper voice ensembles, and children's choirs.

Her passion began early, often running sectionals and warm ups during rehearsals of the two children's choirs she grew up in. During her time at McDonogh School, she was mentored by and studied with conductor and composer Philip Olsen, who encouraged her to study music in college. She conducted two of the school's groups during her senior year, and worked closely with organist and conductor Dana Scott, who currently teaches at Garrison Forrest School, and Dr. Alyson Shirk.

At Gettysburg College, Austin spent two years studying with conductors Robert Natter and Russell McCutcheon. She interned with two of the college choirs, Audeamus and the College Choir, during her senior year, conducting pieces on several concerts. Austin directed two pieces on the college choir's spring tour in 2020, and directed and produced a virtual choir performance by Audeamus after instruction shifted online during the COVID-19 pandemic. These experiences solidified Austin's love for conducting, and for encouraging musical growth and artistry in others.

Always a musical leader, Austin also directed several student groups during college, including her a capella group Four Scores, several student chamber groups, and an upper voice chamber choir performance on a concert series.

During their 2019-2020 season, Austin interned with the Gettysburg Children's Choir, working with Interim Artistic Director Matt Carlson, Artistic Director Brent Talbot, and Manager Jamie Bowman. She worked with both the choir and the high school chorale, and got incredible experience directing singers of various ages. During the summer of 2020, she began working as the Assistant Director, providing artistic and administrative support to the choir's Summer Sing! program and their fall 2020 season.