Ruben Balboa is a violist, educator, and conductor dedicated to performance, mentorship, and expanding viola education. He will join the faculty at Wichita State University as Assistant Professor of Viola/Violin and String Music Education in Fall 2025. Prior to this appointment, he held faculty positions at The University of Texas at Austin, Illinois State University, Texas State University, and Southwestern University, including serving as Assistant Director of the UT String Project. A versatile performer, he has collaborated with ensembles such as Austin Camerata, Invoke, and the Miró Quartet, and regularly performs with orchestras and opera companies, including Austin Opera and Dallas Opera.
Passionate about expanding the viola’s repertoire, he has commissioned and premiered new works, including Tejano Suite for Viola & Piano by Alex Molina Shawver at the 2024 American Viola Society Festival in Los Angeles.
Committed to fostering the next generation of musicians and educators, he actively mentors students, leads youth orchestras, and engages in community music initiatives.
One of his greatest joys is performing viola, voice, and piano recitals with his wife, Samantha.