Dr. Ruben Balboa

Dr. Ruben Balboa is the Director of the Arts Academy at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, where he is dedicated to nurturing creativity and artistic expression across a variety of disciplines.

A versatile violist, Balboa has made significant contributions to the music world through solo, chamber, and orchestral performances. His notable engagements include the world premiere of Tejano Suite for Viola & Piano, commissioned for the 2024 American Viola Society Festival in Los Angeles, and performances of Astor Piazzolla's Le Grand Tango at the Festival of the Orchestras hosted by the Fort Worth Symphony. He has also performed the Hoffmeister Viola Concerto in D major with the Central Texas Medical Orchestra. Balboa frequently collaborates with esteemed ensembles, including Austin Camerata, Austin Opera, Central Texas Philharmonic, and the Amarillo Symphony, where he recently served as Guest Principal Viola.

In addition to his role at UMHB, Balboa has served as Assistant Professor of Music at Southwestern University and held significant teaching positions at The University of Texas at Austin, Illinois State University, Texas State University, and Concordia University Texas, including roles as Interim Director and Master Teacher for the Illinois State String Project and Assistant Director for the University of Texas at Austin String Project, where he mentored aspiring music educators.

Balboa is a sought-after clinician, having led masterclasses at numerous institutions and festivals, including the American Viola Society Festival and the 47th International Viola Congress. His pedagogical expertise extends to coaching young artists and adults at the Austin Chamber Music Center and participating in various music camps across Texas, such as the Texas State String Camp and Austin Soundwaves Summer Camp.

His achievements have been recognized by prestigious organizations, including the American Viola Society, which honored him as an emerging artist and teacher. Balboa's commitment to fostering the next generation of musicians and educators is evident through his university teaching, work with youth orchestras, and extensive involvement in community music initiatives.