Ruben Balboa

Recognized by the American Viola Society as both an Emerging Artist and Teacher, Dr Ruben Balboa III is quickly becoming a sought-after educator, clinician, and performer. Currently, he serves as Assistant Director of the University of Texas at Austin String Project, Adjunct Faculty at The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and an Assistant Professor at Southwestern University where he teaches viola and conducts the orchestra.
 
A strong advocate for music education, Balboa has presented at the American String Teachers Association National Conference and the Best Practices Teaching Sessions hosted by the National String Project Consortium. He is also grateful to have served on faculty for institutions such as: Austin Soundwaves, Austin Youth Orchestra, Concordia University Texas, Illinois State University, Longhorn String Camp, Texas State University, and YOSA Summer Symphony Camp. Most recently, he was invited to give a masterclass for the American Viola Society Festival & 47th International Viola Congress in Columbus, Georgia.
 
Beyond his work as an educator, Balboa has a multifaceted career as a performer and enjoys working with a variety of musical ensembles. He has performed with the Dallas Opera, Austin Camerata, Abilene Philharmonic, Austin Opera, Celtic Thunder, Evanescence, Il Divo, Las Colinas Symphony, Lindsey Sterling, Mid-Texas Symphony, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, among many others. His passion for chamber music has led him to many unique experiences and collaborations with Anton Nel, Austin Camerata, Austin Chamber Music Festival, “Beerthoven Concert Series”, Candlelight Concerts, Eastman Cello Institute, Sandy Yamamoto, Miró Quartet, and Ventana Ballet. Balboa also became a founding member of the Favola String Quartet, which won both the Grand Prize and First Place awards at the 2020 Coltman Chamber Music Competition.

One of Balboa’s biggest joys is presenting recitals of works for viola, voice, and piano with his wife, Dr. Samantha Balboa.