Ronald Roybal (HwAn-Pi-Khaw … Red Tailed Hawk Song) is a native of the American Southwest and a renowned flutist who performs songs inspired by the region and its peoples. A descendent of Pueblo (Tewa) and Spanish Colonial peoples, he considers his ability to express both sides of his heritage to be a great gift and responsibility.
A completely self-taught musician, Ronald has studied music since his youth and is widely respected as a master performer of the Native American flute as well as the Spanish style classical guitar. In addition to guitar and flute, he enjoys Pow Wow singing and dancing.
He is a six-time Native American Music Award nominee. He was a 1998 Native American Music Award nominee in the categories of Best Flutist of the Year for Visions of the Fourth World and Best Instrumental Album for Suite Santa Fe.
He was a 2000 Native American Music Award Nominee in the categories of Best World Music Recording and Best Latin Influenced Recording for Eagle's Journey Into Dawn. He was a 2002 Native American Music Award Nominee in the category of Best New Age Album for Blue Corn, Red Earth.
His film, The Blood Cries Out, was nominated Best Long Form Music Video in the 2007 Native American Music Awards. He was also a two-time New Mexico Music Industry Award Winner in 2003 and 2005 for Best Native American Music Production for his work on Skyfather's Dream.
Ronald has been featured twice on National Public Radio's Performance Today program for his performance at the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival's Salute to Indian Art Market. His music has been included in various video soundtracks including "The Trail of the Painted Ponies", "Spanish Missions: Magnificent Restorations", "Zozobra", "Land, Water, People, Time" and "The Blood Cries Out".
He makes his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico where he performs extensively at area hotels, resorts, restaurants and civic events. In addition to performance, Ronald successfully operates his own recording studio and record label.