Overview
Viola/violin
String education
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 serves as assistant professor of viola/violin and string music education at Wichita State University, where he teaches applied lessons, string pedagogy and string rehearsal methods.
He has taught 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 curriculum design, faculty mentorship and pedagogy training from undergraduate to doctoral levels. Passionate about developing the next generation of musicians and teachers, Dr. Balboa emphasizes mentorship and hands-on experience across his teaching. He has contributed to programs with the Illinois State String Project, Austin Chamber Music Center, Austin Youth Orchestra and Longhorn String Camp, and has also worked with the Wichita Symphony Youth Orchestras. His students have earned graduate school placements, teaching positions, professional orchestral roles and honors such as All-State ensemble recognition. He has conducted university, youth and All-Region orchestras, and in 2025 was named a national finalist for The American Prize in Orchestral Conducting.
Dr. Balboa’s performing career spans opera, symphony, chamber and crossover stages. He has appeared with the Dallas Opera, Austin Symphony, Amarillo Symphony, Austin Opera and Wichita Grand Opera, and in chamber settings with Austin Camerata, the Austin Chamber Music Festival, the Beethoven Concert Series and Candlelight Concerts. Winner of both the grand and first prizes at the Coltman Chamber Music Competition, he has collaborated with the Miró Quartet, Anton Nel, Sandy Yamamoto and Invoke. Beyond the classical stage, he has shared the spotlight with artists such as Lindsey Stirling, Evanescence, Josh Groban and Sarah Brightman. He frequently performs in recital with his wife, soprano Dr. Samantha Balboa, in programs for voice, viola and piano.
Bachelor of Music in Performance - Texas State University
Master of Music in performance & conducting - The University of North Texas
Doctor of Musical Arts in performance - The University of Texas at Austin