Cody Ballard

Bio

Cody Ballard is a saxophonist, composer, arranger, educator, producer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Equally at home in the classroom, on the concert stage, and in the recording studio, his career reflects a commitment to musical excellence, creativity, and lifelong learning.
 

Born in 1992 and raised in Northeast Arkansas, Cody began studying saxophone at the age of fifteen under the instruction of Kenneth Carroll. His passion for music quickly developed into a pursuit of professional training and performance. He earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Arkansas State University in 2016 before being awarded a full graduate assistantship to attend the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), where he completed a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies in 2018.

While living in Cincinnati, Cody performed extensively throughout Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, collaborating with professional musicians across a wide variety of musical settings. During his graduate studies, he was mentored by distinguished artists and educators including Craig Bailey, Rick VanMatre, James Bunte, Kim Pensyl, Steve Allee, and other nationally recognized performers. These experiences helped shape both his artistic voice and educational philosophy.
 

Following graduate school, Cody returned to Arkansas to pursue a career in music education while remaining active as a performer, arranger, composer, and clinician. He served as Assistant Band Director at Paragould High School from 2018 to 2022 and later taught as Adjunct Instructor of Saxophone at Arkansas State University. Throughout his teaching career, his students have earned placements in All-Region and All-State ensembles, university honor bands, and regional jazz groups, while ensembles under his direction have received consistent recognition for musical achievement and performance excellence.
 

Today, Cody serves as a public school band director while maintaining an active performing and creative schedule. As a freelance musician, he performs in jazz ensembles, pit orchestras, chamber groups, commercial bands, worship teams, and other professional settings throughout the region. His versatility as a woodwind performer allows him to navigate a wide range of musical styles, from traditional jazz and classical repertoire to contemporary commercial music.
 

Beyond performance and teaching, Cody is an active composer, arranger, and music producer. His original works draw inspiration from jazz, soul, hip-hop, fusion, and contemporary instrumental music, blending traditional musicianship with modern production techniques. Through recording, arranging, and live performance, he continues to explore new ways of connecting audiences with meaningful musical experiences.

Whether directing a band rehearsal, adjudicating a festival, performing on stage, or creating music in the studio, Cody is dedicated to helping others discover the transformative power of music and the pursuit of artistic excellence.