His extensive performance history includes works by Mozart, Wagner, Strauss, Puccini, and Verdi, as well as operas such as Dialogues of the Carmelites, Der Zigeunerbaron, Der Freischütz, The Rake's Progress, and Die Tote Stadt.
He has also served as production accompanist for singers such as Beverly Sills, Shirley Verrett, and Jon Vickers.
John Balme collaborated with Scott Brummit founded Longwood Opera in 1986 to give locally based performers a chance to establish themselves as professional artists.
He is married to operatic soprano Cynthia Springsteen, who also worked for the Children's Opera Chorus and had vocal training from Armen Boyajian.
John Balme was the director of music ministry for St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Long Branch's West End, New Jersey, he is now music director for Christ Episcopal Church in Middletown, New Jersey and is director of Concordia Chorale, a chamber choir with performances around the world, and maintains a teaching studio for piano, violin, viola, and other instruments in Belford, New Jersey.