Overview
Dr. Ruben Balboa is a violist, conductor, and educator recognized by the American Viola Society as both an Emerging Artist (2021) and Emerging Teacher (2022). He joined the faculty at Wichita State University in Fall 2025, where he serves as Assistant Professor of Viola/Violin and String Music Education, teaching applied lessons, string pedagogy, and string rehearsal techniques.
Before joining the faculty at WSU, Dr. Balboa held teaching appointments at The University of Texas at Austin, Illinois State University, Texas State University, and Southwestern University. At UT Austin, he served as Lecturer of Viola and Assistant Director of the UT String Project, overseeing faculty coordination, curriculum design, and mentorship of students from the undergraduate through doctoral levels. He has directed university and youth orchestras and served as a guest conductor for All-Region ensembles. In 2025, he was named a national finalist for The American Prize in Orchestral Conducting (college/university division).
Dr. Balboa’s teaching emphasizes a student-centered approach that balances artistic growth with real-world preparation. His work spans university instruction, summer festivals, and community music programs, including leadership and teaching roles with the Illinois State String Project, Austin Chamber Music Center, Austin Youth Orchestra, Wichita Symphony Youth Orchestras, Longhorn String Camp, and Music On Site, Inc., among others. Through these settings, he has helped train future educators and foster inclusive, collaborative learning environments. His students have gone on to earn graduate school placements, teaching positions, and roles in professional orchestras. At the pre-college level, his students have consistently earned placement in All-State ensembles and received superior ratings at Solo & Ensemble contests.
A frequent guest artist and adjudicator, he has presented at national conferences including the American String Teachers Association, the International Viola Congress, and the National String Project Consortium. He has adjudicated competitions such as the Primrose International Viola Competition, the Coltman Chamber Music Competition, and the AVS Youth Competition. He also serves on the Board of the American Viola Society, where his leadership roles have included Chair of the Education and Senior Solo Competition Committees and Co-Chair of the Access, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee.
As a performer, Dr. Balboa appears in solo, orchestral, and chamber settings across a wide range of styles. He has performed with ensembles such as The Dallas Opera, Austin Symphony, Amarillo Symphony, and Austin Opera. His chamber work includes appearances with Austin Camerata, the Austin Chamber Music Festival, the Beerthoven Concert Series, and Candlelight Concerts, where he served as a core violist. His ensemble received both the Grand Prize and First Prize at the Coltman Chamber Music Competition. He has collaborated with artists including the Miró Quartet, Anton Nel, Sandy Yamamoto, and Invoke, as well as in crossover projects with Lindsey Stirling, Evanescence, Josh Groban, and Sarah Brightman. He also frequently performs in recital with his wife, soprano Dr. Samantha Balboa, in programs for voice, viola, and piano.