French composer and lutenist, son of the publisher Robert Ballard. He seems to have played no role in the family music printing firm. Instead, he devoted himself to performing, teaching, and composing. In 1612 he entered the service of the regent, Maria deÕ Medici, as maître de luth; that same year, he was made tutor to the young King Louis XIII. In 1618 he was made a musicien ordinaire du roi and remained a lutenist at the royal court from 1612 until his death, taking part in performances of ballets de cour. He published two volumes of airs and dances for the lute.