Raised in Massachusetts, Brad graduated summa cum laude from Harvard University in 2005, where he studied composition with Elliot Gyger and John Harbison. He completed a Master's degree in bassoon performance as a student of Benjamin Kamins at Rice University, and spent the following year playing bassoon in the Houston Symphony. A devoted teaching artist, Brad is a performer and teacher for Carnegie Hall's Musical Connections and the New York Philharmonic's School Partnership Program. Brad completed a fellowship through Carnegie Hall's program The Academy in 2009, through which led composition projects for students in the South Bronx. More information can be found at bradballiett.com.