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José Valentino Ruiz
José Valentino Ruiz is a multi-Latín Grammy Award winning arts entrepreneur, multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, engineer, arts enterprise leader, and professor, with a deep passion for missiological jazz, family, and people, known for his artistry
About Me
Heartfelt enthusiasm, energy, and excellence
combined with missiological prowess, creative
ingenuity, a collaborative spirit, thorough
strategy, and keen business acumen are
attributes beheld by José Valentino Ruiz. Ruiz is a
world-renowned arts entrepreneur, multi-
instrumentalist (i.e. flutist, saxophonist, bassist,
vocalist, keyboardist, and percussionist),
composer, producer, engineer, arts enterprise
leader, and professor who currently resides in
Gainesville, FL. Distinguishably, Ruiz semiotically
conveys his profound love and relationship with
Jesus Christ, family, and people utilizing three
instruments––flute, saxophone, and bass guitar––
for which he has critically re-defined its
expressive boundaries, nuances, and potential.
Legendary artists describe Ruiz’s artistry on bass
as “Very soulful and heartfelt!” (John Patitucci)
and “Amazing and incredible!” (Victor Wooten);
on saxophone as “Genius (Paquito D'Rivera) and
“Openly and unequivocally speaks beyond”
(Pedro Eustache); and on flute as “Playing the
flute with a fire!” (Hubert Laws); and “The best
improvisor on flute!” (Jim Walker).
Ruiz has earned preeminent awards in various
industries, including four Latin GRAMMY®
Awards (2022 Best Latin Children’s Album, 2022
Best Christian Album in Spanish Language, 2020
Best Contemporary Classical Composition, and
2019 Best Christian Album in Spanish
Language), two GRAMMY® Award Nominations
(2016 Best Instrumental Album and 2015 Best
Latin Jazz Album), and an EMMY® Award (2018
Best Cultural Documentary). Ruiz has also been
honored with the International Academy of
Digital Arts and Sciences' Anthem® Award
(2023 Education, Art, and Culture—Strategy), Inc.
Magazine's Best in Business® Award (2022
Advertising company), Inc. Magazine's Power
Partner® Award (2022 B2B company), Fast
Compnay's Top 10 Most Innovative Company®
Award (2022 Video Agency), Global Genius®
Award (2022 Outstanding Teacher Award), the
Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts' 2023 The
Communicator® Award (Consumer Marketing &
Communication: Film & Video–Use of Music),
eleven Global Music® Awards (2023 Christmas
Album; 2022 Contemporary Classical Album
(x2); 2022 Mixed-Genre Album; 2022 Alternative
Music Album; 2022 Vocal Jazz Album; 2022
Experimental Music Album; 2022 Nuevo
Flamenco Album; 2022 Funk Fusion Album;
2018 Album of the Year; 2018 Meditation Music
Album), fifty-three Downbeat Music® Awards
(record holder and 2006––2022) (categories: Jazz
Soloist, Small Jazz Group, Blues/Pop/Rock
Soloist, Blues/Pop/Rock Group, Latin Group,
Engineered Studio Recording, Engineered Live
Recording, & Classical Soloist), the Academy of
Interactive & Visual Arts' Davey® Award (2022
Virtual & Remote Experiences), and three
Association for Marketing & Communication
Professionals' Audio Visual Arts Digital® Awards
(2023 Platinum, 2023 Gold, and 2022 Gold for
Long Form Music Videos). He also received the
Yamaha Young Performing Artist® Award (2006
Flute), five United Kingdom's Music Industry®
Awards, New Vision® Award (Bahamas
International Film Festival), University of South
Florida Outstanding Young Alumni® Award,
Hillsborough County's (Tampa Bay)
Commendation® Award for Excellence in
Community Entrepreneurship, and many other
peer-reviewed awards, including the Parents'
Choice® Award (2017 Gold Medal for Children's
Music).
Ruiz is a highly accomplished artist, producer, and
entrepreneur with a diverse range of
achievements in the music industry. He has
produced over 140 albums, including one for
GRAMMY® Hall of Famer Alex Acuña
(Rompiendo Fronteras) and one for the
legendary flutist Jim Walker (We Are One: An
Exploration of Latin American Music), and for
contestants on American Idol and X-Factor. As an
artist, he has headlined over 1400 concerts at
numerous festivals and venues, including
Carnegie Hall & Tanglewood Music Center (w/
Paquito D'Rivera), Music City Center, and Coliseo
de Puerto Rico. Ruiz is also a passionate
missionary who has facilitated over 40 non-profit
mission trips with churches to improve access to
arts education resources for underserved
communities in North America, South America,
Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. As a sought-
after speaker, Ruiz has presented over 100
keynotes, master classes, and workshops at 50+
universities and conservatories in the USA and
around the world. He shares best practices in arts
business and entrepreneurship, mission-centered
production and performance, and Judeo-Christian
theological-philosophical-moral frameworks for
artists and musicians. As an entrepreneur, Ruiz
maintains ongoing joint ventures with several of
the world's top-tier creative arts agencies. He
serves as Resident Media Composer at Hayden5
(2009-ongoing), Global Ambassador at
Worldwind Music Ltd. (2010-ongoing), and
Founder & Director at JV Music Enterprises
(2005-ongoing). Ruiz's impact extends beyond
his industry work. He is the founding curricular
designer and Program Coordinator of Music
Business & Entrepreneurship at the University of
Florida’s School of Music, where he leads
innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives that
empower students and faculty.
Ruiz has published articles highlighting his
empirically-tested business, entrepreneurial,
pedagogical, and innovation-improving
frameworks and models in various prestigious
journals, including the International Journal of
Music Performative Research, International
Journal of Music & Cultural Studies, International
Journal of Music Entrepreneurship & Leadership,
Open Journal of Music Education, International
Journal of Health and Music, International Journal
of Music Pedagogy, Journal of Arts
Entrepreneurship Education (x2), Journal of
Popular Music Education (x2), National
Association for Music Education, Association for
Popular Music Education (x5), International
Journal of Community Music, International
Trombone Journal, Voyage Magazine, Canvas
Rebel Magazine, Downbeat Magazine, The
Conversation, and more. His impactful research
has led him to become Co-Editor for the flagship
journal, Artivate: A Journal of Entrepreneurship in
the Arts. Moreover, Ruiz's multi-hyphenate
expertise in business, production, and leadership
in improving business sustainability, scalability,
visibility, and expansion within the Post-COVID
multimodal creative economy has been
recognized by various global media outlets such
as Inc. Magazine, Fast Company, The Economist,
Downbeat Magazine, New York Times, LA Times,
Billboard Magazine, and Rolling Stone Magazine.
He is frequently hired to consult with businesses,
including sole-proprietors, partnerships, non-
profits, C-corps, and S-corps, on resetting their
company infrastructure to maximize multimodal
marketability, increase ROI, and improve
intercultural impact via products/services.
Throughout his career, Ruiz has held various
entrepreneurial education appointments,
including Director of Global Entrepreneurship
Initiatives at Diaz Music Institute (2017-2022);
Assistant Professor of Music Business, Jazz,
Production, and Electric Bass Instructor at Lee
University (2016-2019); Chair & Professor of
Doctor of Ministry in Global Outreach program at
Truth & Mercy Institute (2016-2018); Curriculum
Developer & Instructor of Record of Global Music
& Music Production + Sabbatical Replacement
Flute Professor at the University of South Florida
(2013-2016); and Music Teacher at Pepin
Academies Charter School for ESE Students
(2015). Ruiz's academic credentials include a BA
in Music Theory, MM in Instrumental
Performance, DMin in Global Outreach &
Missiology, and PhD in Music Education. He
credits his teachers, Dr. Kim McCormick (flute),
Valerie Gillespie (saxophone), Valentin Ruiz (bass
guitar, business, and entrepreneurship), Dr.
Sandra Resto-Ruiz (piano and mission work),
Steve Rucker (percussion), and Dr. Victor Fung
(research) for investing in his calling. For more
information and professional inquiries, visit:
www.josevalentino.com.
Playlist
My Jazz Story
Heartfelt enthusiasm, energy, and excellence combined with missiological prowess, creative ingenuity, a collaborative spirit, thorough strategy, and keen business acumen are attributes beheld by José Valentino Ruiz. Ruiz is a world-renowned arts entrepreneur, multi- instrumentalist (i.e. flutist, saxophonist, bassist, vocalist, keyboardist, and percussionist), composer, producer, engineer, arts enterprise leader, and professor who currently resides in Gainesville, FL. Distinguishably, Ruiz semiotically conveys his profound love and relationship with Jesus Christ, family, and people utilizing three instruments––flute, saxophone, and bass guitar–– for which he has critically re-defined its expressive boundaries, nuances, and potential. Legendary artists describe Ruiz’s artistry on bass as “Very soulful and heartfelt!” (John Patitucci) and “Amazing and incredible!” (Victor Wooten); on saxophone as “Genius" (Paquito D'Rivera) and “Openly and unequivocally speaks beyond” (Pedro Eustache); and on flute as “Playing the flute with a fire!” (Hubert Laws); and “The best improvisor on flute!” (Jim Walker). Ruiz has earned preeminent awards in various industries, including four Latin GRAMMY® Awards (2022 Best Latin Children’s Album, 2022 Best Christian Album in Spanish Language, 2020 Best Contemporary Classical Composition, and 2019 Best Christian Album in Spanish Language), two GRAMMY® Award Nominations (2016 Best Instrumental Album and 2015 Best Latin Jazz Album), and an EMMY® Award (2018 Best Cultural Documentary). Ruiz has also been honored with the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences' Anthem® Award (2023 Education, Art, and Culture—Strategy), Inc. Magazine's Best in Business® Award (2022 Advertising company), Inc. Magazine's Power Partner® Award (2022 B2B company), Fast Compnay's Top 10 Most Innovative Company® Award (2022 Video Agency), Global Genius® Award (2022 Outstanding Teacher Award), the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts' 2023 The Communicator® Award (Consumer Marketing & Communication: Film & Video–Use of Music), eleven Global Music® Awards (2023 Christmas Album; 2022 Contemporary Classical Album (x2); 2022 Mixed-Genre Album; 2022 Alternative Music Album; 2022 Vocal Jazz Album; 2022 Experimental Music Album; 2022 Nuevo Flamenco Album; 2022 Funk Fusion Album; 2018 Album of the Year; 2018 Meditation Music Album), fifty-three Downbeat Music® Awards (record holder and 2006––2022) (categories: Jazz Soloist, Small Jazz Group, Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist, Blues/Pop/Rock Group, Latin Group, Engineered Studio Recording, Engineered Live Recording, & Classical Soloist), the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts' Davey® Award (2022 Virtual & Remote Experiences), and three Association for Marketing & Communication Professionals' Audio Visual Arts Digital® Awards (2023 Platinum, 2023 Gold, and 2022 Gold for Long Form Music Videos). He also received the Yamaha Young Performing Artist® Award (2006 Flute), five United Kingdom's Music Industry® Awards, New Vision® Award (Bahamas International Film Festival), University of South Florida Outstanding Young Alumni® Award, Hillsborough County's (Tampa Bay) Commendation® Award for Excellence in Community Entrepreneurship, and many other peer-reviewed awards, including the Parents' Choice® Award (2017 Gold Medal for Children's Music). Ruiz is a highly accomplished artist, producer, and entrepreneur with a diverse range of achievements in the music industry. He has produced over 140 albums, including one for GRAMMY® Hall of Famer Alex Acuña ("Rompiendo Fronteras") and one for the legendary flutist Jim Walker ("We Are One: An Exploration of Latin American Music"), and for contestants on American Idol and X-Factor. As an artist, he has headlined over 1400 concerts at numerous festivals and venues, including Carnegie Hall & Tanglewood Music Center (w/ Paquito D'Rivera), Music City Center, and Coliseo de Puerto Rico. Ruiz is also a passionate missionary who has facilitated over 40 non-profit mission trips with churches to improve access to arts education resources for underserved communities in North America, South America, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. As a sought- after speaker, Ruiz has presented over 100 keynotes, master classes, and workshops at 50+ universities and conservatories in the USA and around the world. He shares best practices in arts business and entrepreneurship, mission-centered production and performance, and Judeo-Christian theological-philosophical-moral frameworks for artists and musicians. As an entrepreneur, Ruiz maintains ongoing joint ventures with several of the world's top-tier creative arts agencies. He serves as Resident Media Composer at Hayden5 (2009-ongoing), Global Ambassador at Worldwind Music Ltd. (2010-ongoing), and Founder & Director at JV Music Enterprises (2005-ongoing). Ruiz's impact extends beyond his industry work. He is the founding curricular designer and Program Coordinator of Music Business & Entrepreneurship at the University of Florida’s School of Music, where he leads innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives that empower students and faculty. Ruiz has published articles highlighting his empirically-tested business, entrepreneurial, pedagogical, and innovation-improving frameworks and models in various prestigious journals, including the International Journal of Music Performative Research, International Journal of Music & Cultural Studies, International Journal of Music Entrepreneurship & Leadership, Open Journal of Music Education, International Journal of Health and Music, International Journal of Music Pedagogy, Journal of Arts Entrepreneurship Education (x2), Journal of Popular Music Education (x2), National Association for Music Education, Association for Popular Music Education (x5), International Journal of Community Music, International Trombone Journal, Voyage Magazine, Canvas Rebel Magazine, Downbeat Magazine, The Conversation, and more. His impactful research has led him to become Co-Editor for the flagship journal, Artivate: A Journal of Entrepreneurship in the Arts. Moreover, Ruiz's multi-hyphenate expertise in business, production, and leadership in improving business sustainability, scalability, visibility, and expansion within the Post-COVID multimodal creative economy has been recognized by various global media outlets such as Inc. Magazine, Fast Company, The Economist, Downbeat Magazine, New York Times, LA Times, Billboard Magazine, and Rolling Stone Magazine. He is frequently hired to consult with businesses, including sole-proprietors, partnerships, non- profits, C-corps, and S-corps, on resetting their company infrastructure to maximize multimodal marketability, increase ROI, and improve intercultural impact via products/services. Throughout his career, Ruiz has held various entrepreneurial education appointments, including Director of Global Entrepreneurship Initiatives at Diaz Music Institute (2017-2022); Assistant Professor of Music Business, Jazz, Production, and Electric Bass Instructor at Lee University (2016-2019); Chair & Professor of Doctor of Ministry in Global Outreach program at Truth & Mercy Institute (2016-2018); Curriculum Developer & Instructor of Record of Global Music & Music Production + Sabbatical Replacement Flute Professor at the University of South Florida (2013-2016); and Music Teacher at Pepin Academies Charter School for ESE Students (2015). Ruiz's academic credentials include a BA in Music Theory, MM in Instrumental Performance, DMin in Global Outreach & Missiology, and PhD in Music Education. He credits his teachers, Dr. Kim McCormick (flute), Valerie Gillespie (saxophone), Valentin Ruiz (bass guitar, business, and entrepreneurship), Dr. Sandra Resto-Ruiz (piano and mission work), Steve Rucker (percussion), and Dr. Victor Fung (research) for investing in his calling. For more information and professional inquiries, visit: www.josevalentino.com.