Joel THE Teacher

In addition to his composition and performance activities, Mr. Balzun is a devoted and enthusiastic teacher. Currently on the faculties of California Baptist University and Fullerton College, he has held teaching posts at Pepperdine University, University of Rochester and University of Southern California. He is frequently invited to present masterclasses to high schools and universities in Southern California and has taught for the Young Professional Artists Program at Pittsburgh Festival Opera. Recent masterclass presentations include those through the CS Music Convention and through events sponsored by National Association of Teachers of Singing, of which Mr. Balzun is an active member. He was also contracted to be vocal coach to Emmy Award winner Justin Theroux for HBO’s White House Plumbers.

As a graduate student at Eastman School of Music, Mr. Balzun was selected for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship in Applied Voice; he was subsequently nominated for the prestigious Teaching Assistant Prize. His students have consistently been admitted to undergraduate and graduate institutions across the country, including Indiana University, Manhattan School of Music, Peabody Institute, Roosevelt University and University of Southern California, in addition to summer training programs across the continent. They have also been the recipients of awards within and outside of school settings.

If you are interested in private lessons or organizing a masterclass, guest lecture or other similar service, please be in touch through Mr. Balzun’s contact page.

Mr. Balzun presenting a masterclass at Pepperdine University, March 2019

What Joel’s students are saying

Testimonials

“Professor Balzun is such a great teacher! He was really helpful during our classes, giving tips and techniques to improve our voices. He is also understanding and empathetic which helped especially during a remote semester. While this class was very challenging for me, Professor Balzun was very helpful and supportive, giving practical and spiritual advice during hard moments. This will challenge you and help you grow.
- Voice Class Student (course evaluation)

“Prof. Balzun is an incredibly generous and kind teacher, as well as an excellent mentor. I consider it a pleasure to learn from him and he is definitely one of the things that keeps me coming back to music!”
- Applied Voice Student (course evaluation)

“It was such a pleasure watching Professor Joel Balzun work with our students last Friday at Pepperdine University. I knew he was a great singer, but it’s great to know he’s also a first-rate teacher.”

Dr. Keith Colclough, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Opera, Pepperdine University

“Thanks for a wonderful master class for our young singers last night! …you did a fine job balancing technique with a fun and easygoing nature!”

Dr. Ryan Reithmeier, Director of Classical Voice Conservatory at Orange County School of the Arts

“He is probably one of the most clear, concise, and helpful teachers I've ever encountered. I took notes just on his teaching methods so I could learn from them if I ever taught in the future.”

Voice Class student (Course Evaluation)

“Being able to trust a teacher emotionally as well as academically creates a very productive environment. If not for Mr. Balzun, I would not be in my major, and likely would not have stayed at Biola until this point. I’ve grown as a musician and a person through these lessons, and mark it as one of, if not the most valuable time I have spent at Biola.”

Applied Voice Lesson student (Course Evaluation)

Joel is incredibly knowledgeable and well-versed in vocal technique, solo repertoire and performance practice. He always assigned repertoire that challenged me both as a musician and performer. In my time studying with Joel, I found that I gained confidence in my instrument’s abilities and a tremendous amount of growth in my vocal abilities and technique. Joel meets his students where they are, encourages them to believe in their abilities, holds them to high standards, challenges them technically and helps them to become all-around great performers, musicians and colleagues. I can honestly say that I would not be working towards a Master’s in Music without the lessons I had with Joel.

Kaitie K., Private Student (Now at Chicago College of Performing Arts working toward MM-Performance)

“A class I could come to and learn rapidly and efficiently while still feeling at home. My favorite professor that I’ve had in the conservatory by far. I’m looking forward to continue taking courses with this professor.”

Lyric Diction student (Course Evaluation)

“I'm not certain the previous answers do Prof. Balzun justice. I think he is hilarious, kind, and really seems to know his stuff when it comes to singing. It was a pleasure taking voice class with him. I believe he is an exceptional teacher, and would be thrilled to study under him again.”

Voice Class student (Course Evaluation)