Joey Ballard

Joey Ballard is the current music teacher at Margaret Beeks Elementary School. After graduating from Virginia Tech in 2016, Joey found a home in Blacksburg, teaching and playing with several local bands, including The Jared Stout Band. This led to some incredible experiences, including recording two full-length albums, being named an Artist on the Rise at Floydfest, sharing the stage with names like the Infamous Stringdusters, The Little River Band, .38 Special, and many more.

From an early age, Joey has been drawn to the beauty of learning many instruments and has been considered the Swiss Army knife musician. Even though he focused on percussion through most of college, he has said playing guitar and bass are his favorites. Getting to share his passion for stringed instruments while working at his alma mater is a dream come true.