All That Jazz
José Ruiz
Senior
Major: Music
José Valentino Ruiz cannot recall a time when music did not play a significant role in his life.
An accomplished flutist, saxophonist and bassist, Ruiz has performed around the world alongside such talents as Aaron Neville, Eddie James and Bobby Valentin. He has released two solo albums, and has been the recipient of numerous awards including the prestigious Yamaha Young Performing Artist Award for Best Flutist. All by the age of 21.
His passion for music was a decisive factor in his choice to attend USF. Already a gifted multi-instrumentalist in high school, he forwent opportunities to attend some of the most prestigious schools in the country to achieve a more balanced music education at USF.
“I was offered scholarships to Berklee School of Music and Juilliard when I was 17, but I felt that USF was more down-to-earth and that I could learn more here,” says Ruiz.
A native of Maryland, Ruiz traces his love for music to his family and his Puerto Rican roots. “I grew up in a very musical family,” he says. His father, aside from his job as a nurse, is also an accomplished percussionist and bassist.
“We made trips to Puerto Rico all the time on vacation. During some holidays, there would be musicians in the street playing together. Some didn’t even know each other. It was such a beautiful experience and from that I knew I wanted to pursue music.”
While he wasn’t sure at first what instrument he wanted to play, his father suggested the flute. “I guess my dad envisioned me doing something great with it.”
The Ruiz family moved from Maryland to Tampa when Jose was 8 years old, and it was here that he started to hone his craft. He began studying the flute under the tutelage of Kim McCormick, USF associate professor, who was then a recent graduate of USF and eager to take on the talented youngster.
“She will always be my greatest mentor,” says Ruiz. “She taught me so much about music. One of the reasons I chose to attend USF was to continue learning from her.”
Aside from performing professionally, Ruiz has found time to play bass as a member of the USF Gospel Choir. After graduation, Ruiz says he would like to explore teaching, production and film scoring and also has plans to write a book on his approach to music making.
“I want to know that I haven’t wasted any time with my gift, that I’ve been productive and that it has benefitted many people in one way or another,” he says as he looks toward the future. “USF has given me a broader understanding of music,” he says. “The number of diverse cultures coming together here on campus is amazing. USF has prepared me by teaching me to be a receptive individual and respectful of different ideologies and cultures.”