Connecting Up the Dots was founded by John Austin in 2012. The mission of Connecting Up the Dots is to bring together the fields of movement science, artistic performance, and embodied mindfulness practices. This combination provides a unique perspective on well-being that helps bridge the gap between science and art.

Mr. Austin is an active performer and music teacher based in Brooklyn, New York. He has served as principal violist with the Manhattan and Bergen Symphonies in NYC performing arts venues including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Previously, Mr. Austin was a member of the Asheville, Hilton-Head, Roanoke, and Winston-Salem Symphony Orchestras. In addition to his classical roots, he has recorded and performed live with folk, contemporary jazz, and rap groups including Deltron 3030 & Tarbaby.

Mr. Austin currently teaches violin and viola at the Wharton School for the Performing Arts in Berkeley Heights, NJ. He previously taught at P.S. 310 ‘The School for Future Leaders,’ P.S. 219 ‘Kennedy-King Elementary,’ while working for the Noel Pointer Foundation. Mr. Austin also taught at the Louisiana State University Music Academy and was a guest teacher and lecturer at Teachers College, Columbia, and McGill Universities. He was teaching assistant to Sheila Browne at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

Mr. Austin holds dual degrees in Music and Human Development from SUNY Empire State College and an Artist Diploma from UNC School of the Arts. He is an AmSAT certified Alexander Technique teacher and a certified teacher of the Suzuki Method for Violin & Viola.

All of Mr. Austin’s primary teachers were graduates of the Juilliard School. Mr. Austin embodies the philosophy of former Juillard professor, Karen Tuttle. He combines Tuttle’s ‘Coordination’ method of musical expression with the Alexander Technique’s mind-body awareness and habit changing potential in the framework of the Suzuki Method’s naturalistic pedagogy. This approach of scaffolded learning supports the whole child’s potential for multidimensional development. With support from Mr. Austin and parents, children will find learning violin and viola a healthy experience that’s fun and easy.

Ready to book a lesson?

Email: mr.johnlaustin@gmail.com or use the form above to inquire about availability. Convenient Brooklyn location steps from the Church Ave. B/Q trains and several buses.