Commencement Spotlight: Brooke Balbuena shares her passion for piano with her students
![Graduate student Brooke Balbuena credits UTSA music faculty for strengthening her teaching methods.](http://www.utsa.edu/today/images/balbuena340.jpg)
Graduate student Brooke Balbuena credits UTSA music faculty for strengthening her teaching methods.
(May 1, 2017) -- Meet Brooke Balbuena. Music is this graduate student's passion. She studied piano performance and pedagogy to earn her master's degree. Now she shares her knowledge and talent with aspiring young performers.
After serving our country with the United States Army for seven years with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan during that time, she moved to San Antonio with her husband. Following the move, Balbuena bought a piano and started teaching private lessons.
At one point, she took a hiatus from teaching. After several years, though, friends and family encouraged her to audition for the UTSA piano performance program. Upon getting accepted, she became the recipient of the Zachary Barriger Memorial Scholarship.
"Music is one of those paths that chooses you," said Balbuena. "I was honored to receive a scholarship, and it has allowed me to spend hours practicing and completing the work that is required for my degree."
At UTSA, Balbuena served as a graduate teaching assistant leading group piano lessons. She's also taught private lessons to younger students. She says her interactions with the top-tier faculty in the Department of Music have helped her become a better instructor.
"Faculty members in the music department are caring and supportive. They will go out of their way to help students succeed," said Balbuena. "The faculty at UTSA are world-class. I would encourage anyone interested in music to become a Roadrunner."
Balbuena said her work with the UTSA music department has provided her with opportunities to improve as a performer and teacher. She was recognized as the instrumental winner of UTSA's Concerto & Aria Competition in 2016, toured with the UTSA Orchestra as a soloist and served as president of the UTSA chapter of the Music Teachers National Association.
"During the competition, I learned so much about what happens in performance settings and how to prepare when the pressure is high," said Balbuena. "UTSA has improved the way I teach. I tell students now that anything can happen during a performance but it's how you handle it that truly matters."
She said she's soaked in everything she's learned in the classroom and on stage and shares that knowledge with her talented students.
"In the piano world, there is a legacy you can leave behind by studying and teaching and I feel like I get to carry on that tradition because of what I have learned at UTSA."
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Learn more about the UTSA Department of Music.
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Events
The Roadrunner Pantry/Whataburger Resource Room has joined efforts with the campus community for the Move-In Market! Come shop for some great items for your room or apartment to get you started and set up for success. The best part about it--everything is free! Bring your UTSA student ID to receive shopping credits.
Student Union Annex (BK Lot 5 next to Campus Garden)UTSA parents and family members are invited for appetizers and drinks to meet other Roadrunner families following Move-In Week. Students are encouraged to attend Comedy Night and Late Night at the Rec, while family members celebrate their student’s next chapter.
Willie's Roadhouse, 4051 N Loop 1604 W, San Antonio, TX 78257Late Night at the Rec features an evening of fun, games, giveaways, and excitement. It's also a great way to learn about the facilities, recreation programs, and wellness services offered at the Main and Downtown campuses.
Campus Rec Center, Main CampusCome show your Roadrunner Spirit by joining our very own Rowdy, The Spirit of San Antonio Marching Band (SOSA), your fellow students, as we light the Monument at our Main Campus entrance at the stroke of midnight to mark the start of a new academic year.
Main CampusAnnual Giving will host a First Day of School celebration to welcome students back to campus. We will have giveaways and photo opportunities.
Sombrilla PlazaA sweet start to the Semester. Join the University College to customize your own sugar cookie while enjoying connecting with other UTSA students.
Airport Lounge (SU 2.02.00D,) Student Union, Main CampusJoin us for a tabling event with the UTS Bold Careers Program! Start the academic year off right with our team to discuss experiential learning and career development.
In front of the Rowdy Campus Store