The grandson of the philosopher Moses Mendelssohn, he was born into a notable Jewish family, although he himself was brought up initially without religion, and later as a Lutheran Christian. He was recognized early as a musical prodigy, but his parents were cautious and did not seek to capitalise on his abilities. Indeed his father was disinclined to allow Felix to follow a musical career until it became clear that he intended seriously to dedicate himself to it.

Early success in Germany was followed by travel throughout Europe; Mendelssohn was particularly well received in Britain as a composer, conductor and soloist, and his ten visits there (during which many of his major works were premiered) form an important part of his adult career. His essentially conservative musical tastes however set him apart from many of his more adventurous musical contemporaries such as Liszt, Wagner and Berlioz. The Conservatory he founded at Leipzig became a bastion of this anti-radical outlook.

Mendelssohn's work includes symphonies, concerti, oratorios, piano and chamber music. He also had an important role in the revival of interest in the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. After a long period of relative denigration due to changing musical tastes and antisemitism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, his creative originality is now being recognized and re- evaluated. He is now among the most popular composers of the Romantic era.

Graduating from the Eastman School of Music in 1968, Sonny studied Trombone with the legendary teacher, Emory Remington at the Eastman School of Music where he received his Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance as well as a Performer's Certificate, having performed the Serocki Concerto with orchestra.

Mr. Ausman won the position of 2nd Trombone in the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 1970 where he has been ever since.

Sonny also is a first class recording engineer and has recorded some of the top musicians in America.