Austin Youth Orchestra Staff

A native Austinite, Leah Nelson brings over fifteen years of leadership experience in music education, nonprofit management, and community arts programming.

Leah previously served as Executive Director for Salon Concerts, where she also led the long-running CHAMPS (Chamber Music in Public Schools) program, providing chamber music coaching and performances in sixteen public schools across the Austin area.

Before returning to Austin, Leah worked extensively in youth-centered music programs in Los Angeles. She served as Director of Educational Outreach for the American Youth Symphony, designing and managing learning programs that reached hundreds of K–9 students annually. She also worked with Education Through Music–Los Angeles, supporting curriculum development, teacher training, and expansion into underserved school communities.

In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Leah maintains an active career as a professional violist. She has performed with orchestras, chamber ensembles, and artists across the country, and is a longtime private studio teacher and chamber music coach. Her students regularly earn placements in All-Region and All-State orchestras, win local and national competitions, and continue their studies at leading music festivals and universities.

Leah holds a Master of Music from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Texas at Austin. As a proud alumna of AYO, she is deeply committed to expanding access, strengthening community partnerships, and supporting the next generation of Austin’s young musicians.

Josue Martinez is a music educator, conductor, and performer dedicated to cultivating excellence, artistry, and community through orchestral music. Since joining the Westlake High School faculty in 2021, he has served as the Director of Orchestral Activities, where his leadership, vision, and commitment to students have continued to elevate the program to new heights. Mr. Martinez holds a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. He began his teaching career in 2016 at West Ridge Middle School in the Eanes Independent School District.

At Westlake High School, the Westlake Orchestras have consistently earned sweepstakes at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading for both Full Orchestra and String Orchestra. His students regularly achieve superior ratings at

Solo and Ensemble and earn positions in the TMEA All-Region and All-State orchestras. The program received national recognition at the American String Teachers Association’s National Orchestra Festival. In addition to his classroom work, Mr. Martinez is the Logistics Coordinator for the Austin Youth Orchestra and performs regularly on the double bass with several local symphonies. He is a member of TMEA, ASTA, TODA, the International Society of Bassists, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity. Beyond the podium, Mr. Martinez finds joy at home with his spouse and their two terriers, Artemis and Buster.

Megan Anderson brings a lifelong passion for youth orchestras and music education to her role as Orchestra Manager at AYO. She first discovered her love for classical music while performing as a young oboist in youth orchestras, an experience that shaped her deep appreciation for ensemble collaboration and music’s impact on young people.

Megan earned her Bachelor's degree in Oboe Performance from the University of Oregon School of Music, where she studied under Melissa Peña. She previously served as the Orchestra Manager for the Corvallis Youth Symphony Association, where she supported student musicians, coordinated large-scale performances, and helped cultivate a vibrant and supportive artistic community.

Now based in Austin, Megan is thrilled to be part of the AYO team. She is committed to fostering a smooth, supportive, and high-quality experience for students, families, and conductors alike. With a background that bridges administration, music, and youth engagement, Megan looks forward to helping AYO continue to thrive and grow.