ABOUT RUBEN
Recognized by the American Viola Society as an Emerging Artist (2021) and Emerging Teacher (2022), Dr. Ruben Balboa is a dynamic violist, conductor, and educator committed to fostering inclusive musical communities and advancing the next generation of artists. Known for his versatile musicianship and deep dedication to equity in music education, Balboa brings a passionate, people-centered approach to every stage, classroom, and rehearsal room he enters.
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He currently serves as Assistant Professor of Music at Southwestern University, where he teaches viola and violin and conducts the university orchestra, and as Director of the Arts Academy at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. An active conductor, Balboa has led both university and youth orchestras, including serving as a guest conductor for All-Region ensembles. His passion for creating collaborative, inclusive ensemble experiences has shaped his work on and off the podium. In recognition of his leadership and artistry, he was named a national finalist for The American Prize in Orchestral Conducting in 2025, in the college/university orchestra division.
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Previously, he held teaching appointments at the University of Texas at Austin, Illinois State University, Concordia University Texas, and Texas State University. As Assistant Director of the University of Texas at Austin String Project, he mentored undergraduate through doctoral students and coordinated all aspects of the nationally recognized community music program.
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Balboa has presented at national conferences including the ASTA National Conference and the Best Practices Teaching Sessions hosted by the National String Project Consortium, and he has taught throughout the U.S. as a guest clinician and masterclass instructor. His teaching experience spans all levels—from university classrooms to public school programs to summer festivals and youth organizations such as Austin Chamber Music Center, Austin Youth Orchestra, Texas State ViolaFest, Austin Soundwaves, Longhorn String Camp, and YOSA Symphony Camp.
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He has held several leadership roles within the American Viola Society, including serving as Chair of the Education and Senior Solo Competition Committees, Co-Chair of the Access, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee, and as a member of the Communication Committee. His work has included launching national grant initiatives, developing online educational resources, and coordinating major performance and pedagogical opportunities for students and professionals across the U.S. He also served on a Texas Orchestra Directors Association committee focused on increasing collegiate membership and participation, contributing to statewide conversations around access and professional engagement. In 2024, he served as a jury panelist for the Primrose International Viola Competition, reinforcing his commitment to artistic integrity, education, and community-focused service in the viola world.
As a performer, Balboa maintains an active career in solo, chamber, and orchestral settings. Notable solo appearances include the world premiere of Tejano Suite for Viola and Piano by Alex Molina Shawver at the 2024 American Viola Society Festival, Piazzolla’s Le Grand Tango with the Fort Worth Symphony’s Festival of the Orchestras, and Hoffmeister’s Viola Concerto with the Central Texas Medical Orchestra. He has performed with The Dallas Opera, Amarillo Symphony (Guest Principal Viola), Austin Opera, Austin Virtuosi, Austin Camerata, Ventana Ballet, Central Texas Philharmonic, and more. His collaborative work spans a wide range of artists and genres, including Anton Nel, Sandy Yamamoto, the Miró Quartet, Invoke, Daniel Fears, Lindsey Stirling, Evanescence, Josh Groban, and Sarah Brightman.
His love of chamber music has led to performances with Austin Camerata, the Austin Chamber Music Festival, “Beerthoven” Concert Series, and Candlelight Concerts. He was a member of the elite Bancroft String Quartet at the University of North Texas, which earned recognition as semi-finalists in the 2015 Plowman Chamber Music Competition. He later became a founding member of the Favola String Quartet, which won both the Grand Prize and First Place at the 2020 Coltman Chamber Music Competition. He has also served as a juror for the Coltman Chamber Music Competition Junior Division (2023) and the American Viola Society Youth Competition Senior Division (2021).
One of Balboa’s greatest joys is performing alongside his wife, soprano Dr. Samantha Balboa. Together, they explore and expand the repertoire for viola, voice, and piano. Their duo performances inspired his doctoral research, Musical Poetry: An Examination of Works and Texts by Charles Martin Loeffler and Paul Verlaine, and reflect their shared passion for bringing renewed attention to this underrepresented ensemble combination.
Through every endeavor—on stage, in the studio, or in service—Dr. Balboa seeks to empower musicians to tell their stories, connect with their communities, and thrive.