Conference Presentations (Peer Reviewed)
International/National
Wang, A. & Ruiz, J.V. (July 22, 2025). Hip Hop and Neurodivergence in the Music Classroom. Association of Popular Music Education. Liverpool, Great Britian.
Wang, A. & Ruiz, J.V. (May 30, 2025). Hip Hop, Neurodivergence, and the Music Classroom: A New Groove. NAFME Learning Academy.
Wiseman, T. & Ruiz, J.V. (April 25, 2025). Private Screening of “The School Duel” - Feature Film. Served as On-Site Music Producer, Music Arranger, and Associate Producer. Sunscreen Film Festival. Tampa, Fl.
Wiseman, T. & Ruiz, J.V. (April 19, 2025). Private Screening of “The School Duel” - Feature Film.Served as On-Site Music Producer, Music Arranger, and Associate Producer. Florida Film Festival. Orlando, Fl.
Wang, A. & Ruiz, J.V. (April 13, 2025). Hip Hop & Neurodivergence. Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education’s ABLE Assembly. Boston, MA.
Craig, O., Ruiz, J.V., Villaver, M., Fakhoury, L. (April 10, 2025). Fusing Academic Research, Professional Practice, and Global Outreach through Music. CAME Innovation Summit. Gainesville, FL.
Ruiz, J.V., Lee, D., & Alida, C. (April 9, 2025). Passport to Dream: A Migratory Entrepreneurial Experience through the Power of Music. CAME Innovation Summit. Gainesville, FL.
Wiseman, T. & Ruiz, J.V. (April 8, 2025). Private Screening of “The School Duel” - Feature Film. Served as On-Site Music Producer, Music Arranger, and Associate Producer. Miami Film Festival. Miami, Fl.
Wiseman, T. & Ruiz, J.V. (March 29, 2025). Private Screening of “The School Duel” - Feature Film. Served as On-Site Music Producer, Music Arranger, and Associate Producer. Gasparilla International Film Festival. Tampa, Fl.
Leon, J.L. & Ruiz, J.V. (March 1, 2025). Fostering Arts Entrepreneurship in Performance Education: A Model for Transformative Career Pathways at a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Society of Arts Entrepreneurship Education. Kansas City Regnier Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Kansas City, MO.
Ruiz, J.V. & Gaitan, W. (November 14, 2025). Public Relations for Indepenedent Artists: Best Practices. Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Show. Miami, Fl.
Ruiz, J.V. (August 2, 2024). From Notes to Dollars ($$$): Strategies for Monetizing Arts Business & Entrepreneurship Curricula. Musikfest Music Industry & Education Conference. Bethlehem, PA.
Ruiz, J.V. (June 17, 2024). Original Works for Spanish Guitar. 2024 Commissioned Composer: Guitar Foundation of America International Convention. California State Fullerton. (June 17, 2024).
Ruiz, J.V. & Nieves, E.G. (November 16, 2023). Music Production & Engineering Wing: Entrepreneurship in Action. Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Show. Sevilla, Spain.
Shelton, C., & Ruiz, J. V. (April 14, 2023). Pragmatical and Pedagogical Suggestions for Visually-Impaired Music Entrepreneurs. Society of Arts Entrepreneurship Education Conference. Online Conference.
Ruiz, J. V., Beckman, G., Hansen, J., Ragsdale, D., Taylor, A., & Kuhlke, O. (April 14, 2023). Beyond Professional and Field Development, What’s An Academic Journal For And Is This Changing? Society of Arts Entrepreneurship Education Conference. Online Conference.
Ruiz, J.V., Lee, D., Shelton, C., Bourne, T., Ciulei, S., Acevedo Jr., R., & Nieves, E. G. (April 14, 2023). Getting to the GRAMMY®s and Beyond (PART2): Music Entrepreneurship Curricula Meets the Red Carpet. Society of Arts Entrepreneurship Education Conference. Online Conference.
Bourne, T., Ruiz, J.V., & Sanders, J. (January 5, 2023). Exploring Collaborations Between Commercial Music and Traditional Opera Programs in Higher Education. National Association of Opera Conference. Houston, TX.
Ruiz, J.V. (July 1, 2022). Elohim for Three Guitars. International Guitar Foundation of America Conference. Indianapolis, IN.
DeVito, D., & Ruiz, J.V. (July 20, 2022). Teaching Popular Music Styles That Connect Neighborhood Music Traditions With A 99 Percent Minority Population Elementary School. International Society for Music Education World Conference. Sydney, Austrailia.
Ruiz, J.V., Gulish, S., et al. (June 2, 2022). Artist as Teachers: Exploring Authentic Ways of Learning & Teaching in Popular Music Education. Association of Popular Music Education Conference. Detroit, MI.
Kays, J., Ruiz, J.V., et al. (May 12, 2022). Writing for The Conversation: Panel Discussion. University Research Magazine Association Conference. Gainesville, FL.
Yazdanpanah, R., Ciulei, S., & Ruiz, J.V. (November 8, 2021). Felices Días: Producing a Remote-Recording Intercultural Album through Collaborative Leadership. Dartmouth College's Rockefeller Global Leadership Program Research Findings. Hanover, NH.
Ruiz, J.V. (October 23, 2021). Ella Jazz Across Cultures Sings Jobim. Brazilian Music Institute Conference. Gainesville, FL.
Ruiz, J.V., Lee, D., et al. (November 19, 2021). Getting to the GRAMMY® and Beyond: An Insight to Student-Professor Collaborative Albums Music Video Projects for Promoting Ecological Advocacy and Social Impact. Society of Arts Entrepreneurship Education Virtual Conference: Video Salon Series. Online Conference.
Reinhert, K., Ruiz, J.V., et al. (September 23, 2021). Popular Music Pedagogy: A Loving Critique. National Association for Music Education's Society of Music Teacher Education Conference. Greensboro, NC.
Ruiz, J.V., Scott, D. E., Diaz, J. A., & Gundersheimer, B. (January 21, 2021). The Making of 'Children of The World' Album: 80 musicians, 15 different countries, and 5 continents. National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM Show) Conference. Online Conference.
Herrera, C., Ruiz, J.V., et al. (July, 2020). Performance Day Rituals and Insights. National Flute Association Summer Series, Virtual. Online Conference.
Ruiz, J.V., & Tomasello, N. (October 18, 2019). An Insight on the Teaching of Entrepreneurship in Applied Music Lessons. Society of Arts Entrepreneurship Education Conference. Ames, IA.
Ruiz, J.V., & Muhammed, J. (February 7, 2019). Can Our Musicians Perceive the Difference?: Music Educators’ and Music Students’ Ability to Discriminate Deep Sampled versus Acoustic Instrumental Recordings. Suncoast Music Education Research Symposium. Tampa, FL.
Ruiz, J.V., Muhammad, J., Acevedo, R., Tomasello, N., & Almeida, L. C. (February 7, 2019). The Impact on Students’ Learning and Competencies when Participating in a Student/Faculty Collaborative Album-Recording Project. Suncoast Music Education Research Symposium. Tampa, FL.
State/Local
Ruiz, J.V. (February 10, 2025). Being Smart, Savvy, and Safe when Using AI for Business Ventures. Foundations of Music Business course (facilitated by Dr. Eftihia Arkoudis), School of Music, University of Florida College of the Arts. Gainesville, FL.
Fung, C.V. & Ruiz, J.V. (January 9, 2025). Rapping a Philosophy in Music Education. Florida Music Educators Association.
Ruiz, J.V., Bourne, T., & Ciulei, S. (March 31, 2022). The Intertwining of Cross-Cultural & Cross-Generational Entrepreneurship via Music Media for Afro-Diaspora Empathy and Translatability. UF CAME Conference: African Entrepreneurship, and Beyond. University of Florida. Gainesville, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. & Hartz, B. (January 14, 2022). Improving Entrepreneurial Marketability. Florida Music Education Association Conference. Tampa, FL.
Penn, N. & Ruiz, J.V. (March 15, 2017). Lyrical Content Analysis and Perceptions of Female Pop Artists' Influence Among Music Listeners. International Women’s Day International Research Summit. Lee University. Cleveland, TN.
Conference Research Presentations (By Invitation)
International/National
Ruiz, J.V. (June 16, 2022). Global Music Production and Entrepreneurship: How to Express It With Patience, Poise, and Power. International Jazz and Entrepreneurship Camp. Online Conference.
Ruiz, J.V., Wilson, S., Arakawa, J., & Bourne, T. (April 2, 2022). Panel Consultation for Entrepreneurial Leadership. Music Industry Leadership Day at UF School of Music.
Onikeku, Q., Alli, H., & Ruiz, J.V. (December 10, 2021). Arts Entrepreneurship: Creating Success in a Covid Era. Digital Worlds Institute & Center of Arts, Migration, and Entrepreneurship.
“Cultivating Creative Arts Entrepreneurship & Globally-Inclined Leadership in a Post-COVID Digital Economy.”
This presentation provides empirically-tested practical strategies for navigating the post-pandemic era as an arts entrepreneur, specifically as a producer, audio engineer, composer, performer, and label executive. This presentation was given multiple times (Fall 2020 - Spring 2021).
International
Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (March 29, 2021)
Conservatoria de Música de Puerto Rico (March 28, 2021)
University of Puerto Rico (March 27, 2021)
InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico (February 19, 2021)
Conservatory de la Ciudad Real (March 8, 2021)
Conservatorio Superior de Música de Madrid (February 21, 2021)
University of Sao Paolo in Brazil (February 18, 2021)
University of South Africa (February 3, 2021)
National
John Hopkins University Peabody Institute (October 13, 2021)
Lamar University (September 18, 2021)
University of Southern California (July 16, 2021)
The Coburn School (July 15, 2021)
Coastal Carolina University (July 7, 2021)
University of Michigan (April 27, 2021)
West Virginia University (April 25, 2021)
The Juilliard School (March 18, 2021)
Stony Brook University (March 17, 2021)
Washington State University (March 14, 2021)
University of Texas at Rio Grande (March 12, 2021)
Wichita State University (March 3, 2021)
Slippery Rock University (February 26, 2021)
Talladega College (HBCU) (February 25, 2021)
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (January 18, 2021)
Frostburg State University (October 23, 2020)
State
Florida Atlantic University (October 18, 2020)
University of South Florida (October 15, 2020)
Keynotes (By Invitation)
Ruiz, J.V. (March 1, 2025). Philosophical & Theological Discussion of Human Creativity: Exploring the Intersection of Artistry, Entrepreneurship, and Human Potential in the Performing Arts. Workshop presented at the Capital City Flute Festival, Boise, ID.
Ruiz, J.V. (2025, February 19). The Power of Etymology and Imagery for Empowering Exploration, Improvisation, Documentation, and Delivery in Engineering Entrepreneurialism in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Preserving Humanity, Persevering Innovation, and Pioneering Progress. College of Engineering’s Entrepreneurship Innovation Institute, Malachowsky Hall, University of Florida, Gaiesville, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. (January 17, 2025). Global Jazz as a Catalyst for Intercultural Empathy and Entrepreneurial Exchange. Museo de Artes Contemporaneo Artchugarry. Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Craig, O., Ruiz, J.V., Guo, W., Kuuskoski, J., McGraw, D., Montaya, S., Piazza, G. (November 7, 2024). The Future(s) of Arts Entrepreneurship Education: Models to Prepare Today’s Students for Tomorrow’s Careers. Alliance for the Arts in Research Universities’ Webinar. Ann Arbor, MI.
Ruiz, J.V. (August 2, 2024). Ensuring Legitimacy & Viability in Music Industry Education. Musikfest Music Industry & Education Conference. Bethlehem, PA.
Ruiz, J.V. (May 16, 2022). Compassionate Entrepreneurship for Today and Tomorrow. Altitude Academies. Port St. Lucie, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. (March 24, 2022). Digital Music Industry in the COVID-era: Promises and Potential for Enterprise Success. North Carolina State University. Raleigh, NC.
Ruiz, J.V. (February 28, 2022). Arts Entrepreneurship Research: A Pragmatic Approach for Students, Faculty, and Administration. The University of Iowa. Iowa City, Iowa.
Ruiz, J.V. (July 26, 2020). Preparing for Viable Musicianship Skills in a Globally-Connected Digital Economy. Beyond the Masterclass, University of Southern California. Los Angelas, CA. Online Conference.
Ruiz, J.V. (July 14, 2020). Best Marketing Practices for Production Enterprises via Digital Platforms in the Music Business 3.0. Global Music Production and Entrepreneurship Summit, Houston, TX. Online Conference.
Ruiz, J.V. (February 1, 2020). Relevancy as a Jazz Musician in Today's Online Music Industry. University of North Carolina Greensboro's Minerva Music Collective's Series. Greensboro, NC.
Ruiz, J.V. (February 27, 2020). Utilizing Music as an Entrepreneurial Tool for Global Missions and Community Outreach. Missions 2020 Conference: Missions & Entrepreneurship. Cooper Cty Church. in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. (January 23, 2020). Scaling Your Career as a Performing Artist: Identity, Purpose, and Role. Caribbean Music Entrepreneurship Summit in Puerto Rico in San Juan, PR.
Ruiz, J.V. (October 7, 2019). Hispanics in Music Entrepreneurship: Expanding Our Reach to Impact The Next Generation of Latin Americans. Midlands Hispanic Conference. Omaha, NB.
Ruiz, J.V. (November 29, 2018). Journey as an Arts Entrepreneur in Today’s Digital Age. Conservatory of The Arts, sponsored by The Puerto Rican Cultural Foundation, Springfield, MA.
Ruiz, J.V. (July 23, 2017). Beyond The Dream: Activating Your Artistic Identity and Thriving in the Music Industry. Paper presented at MAV's Artist Development Series at the Performing Arts Center at the University of The Bahamas in Nassau, Bahamas.
Ruiz, J.V. (May 19, 2017). The Power of Music in Musical Expressivity and Missiology for Constructing Entrepreneurial Identity. COG Bible College in Liberia, Africa.
State/Local
Ruiz, J.V.. (January 27, 2023). Missiological Creativity from the Soul and Spirit. Florida Undergraduate Research Leadership Summit, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. (October 14, 2022). Esperanza Para El Alma (Hope for the Soul). Paper presented at Hillsborough County (Tampa Bay) Hispanic Heritage Month Annual Showcase, sponsored and created by the County Commissioners and Mayor.
Ruiz, J.V., Lee, D., & Downing, S. (October 24, 2021). An Entrepreneurial Approach to Facilitating Student-Professor Collaborative Research. Florida Statewide Best Practices for Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Ruiz, J.V. (February 25, 2021). How Jazz Entrepreneurs Can Reimagine Their Roles in the Local Community to Empower Identity and Purpose among Minority Populaces. Keynote presented for Hillsborough County's Black Heritage Month: All That Jazz: Bringing People Together through the Power of Jazz Music event. Virtual and televised. Broadcasted to 335,000 people.
Ruiz, J.V. (February 21, 2020). Steps Towards Unraveling Your Artistic Voice and Cultivating Your Niche in the Music Industry. Keynote address for the University of South Florida's School of Music's Convocation in Tampa, FL.
Master Classes (By Invitation)
International/National
Ruiz, J.V. (January 26, 2025). Seamless Performance: Responding to Mistakes in Real Time to Maintain Musical Flow. Museo de Artes Contemporaneo Artchugarry. Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Ruiz, J.V. (January 27, 2025). Storytelling Through Improvisation: Building Connections Between Music and Narrative. Museo de Artes Contemporaneo Artchugarry. Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Ruiz, J.V. (January 28, 2025). Cultural Recognition in Ensemble Musicianship: Honoring Traditions While Innovating Together. Museo de Artes Contemporaneo Artchugarry. Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Ruiz, J.V. (January 29, 2025). Entrepreneurial Storytelling: Using Comedic Stories and Compassionate Testimonies to Build Audiences. Museo de Artes Contemporaneo Artchugarry. Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Ruiz, J.V. (January 30, 2025). Improvisation for Ensemble Musicians: Strategies for Dynamic Collaboration and Audience Engagement. Museo de Artes Contemporaneo Artchugarry. Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Ruiz, J.V. (August 1, 2024). Music Intrapreneurship Consultation. Musikfest Music Industry & Education Conference. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Ruiz, J.V. (February 23, 2024). Cross-Cultural Improvisational for High School Jazz Musicians. Great Plains Jazz Festival, Omaha, Nebraska
Ruiz, J.V. (February 23, 2024). Improving Musicianship within the Context of a Large Jazz Ensemble. Great Plains Jazz Festival, Omaha, Nebraska
Ruiz, J.V. (February 6, 2024). Creative Career Strategies for Music Entrepreneurship: Viabal, Valient, and Vigorous. Mount Holyoke College. Holyoke, Massechussetts.
Ruiz, J.V. (February 5, 2024). Navigating the Global Popular Music Industry Through Strategic Entrepreneurship with the Pursuit of Quality of Life. Babson College Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership. Boston, Massechussetts.
Ruiz, J.V. (Jun 31, 2023). From Studio to Stage: Live Recording Production. University of Nebraska at Omaha. Omaha, Nebraska.
Ruiz, J.V. (Jun 30, 2023). Mastering the Mix: Music Production and Audio Engineering. University of Nebraska at Omaha. Omaha, Nebraska.
Ruiz, J.V. (Jun 29, 2023). Sound Strategies: Music Business and Entrepreneurship. University of Nebraska at Omaha. Omaha, Nebraska.
Ruiz, J.V. (Jun 28, 2023). Studio Essentials: Music Production Tools and Techniques. University of Nebraska at Omaha. Omaha, Nebraska.
Ruiz, J.V. (Jun 27, 2023). The Artist's Journey: Music Production, Performance, and Branding. University of Nebraska at Omaha. Omaha, Nebraska.
Ruiz, J.V. (December 18, 2022). How To Build A Successful Independent Music Enterprise. Free Chapel College, Gainesville, Georgia.
Ruiz, J.V. (December 18, 2022). Improving Business Acumen When Working With High-Budget Media Productions. Free Chapel College, Gainesville, Georgia.
Ruiz, J.V. (December 18, 2022). Suggestions for Navigating an Arts Business within the Next Five Years. Free Chapel College, Gainesville, Georgia.
Ruiz, J.V. (December 17, 2022). Ethical & Moral Frameworks for Conducting Business: An Artists' Perspective. Free Chapel College, Gainesville, Georgia.
Ruiz, J.V. (October 5, 2022). Entrepreneurial Thinking and Practice in Higher Education. University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Ruiz, J.V. (October 5, 2022). Music Production Insights: Efficiency, Expedited, & Excellence. University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Ruiz, J.V. (September 16, 2022). Cultivating Creative Entrepreneurship & Globally Inclined Leadership in a Post-COVID Digital Economy. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Ruiz, J.V. (September 16, 2022). Arts Entrepreneurship Research: A Pragmatic Approach for Students, Professors, and Administrators. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Ruiz, J.V. (September 14, 2022). Flute Entrepreneurship: Musicianship that Connects with Consumers. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Ruiz, J.V. (September 14, 2022). Flute Entrepreneurship: Improving Facets of the Performance Product. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Ruiz, J.V. (July 8, 2022). Becoming a Music Entrepreneur for Others: The Removal of Self and the Embracing of Service. Diaz Music Institute's International Summer Music Series.
Ruiz, J.V. (March 27, 2022). Music Production Skills for Global Business Opportunities. Digital Music Entrepreneurship & Leadership Summit. Sponsored by HAPCO Foundation. Partnered with Alexion, Orlando Health®, Empire Finish Systems, LLC., and Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson.
Ruiz, J.V. (March 27, 2022). Digital Entrepreneurship in a Post-COVID Creative Economy. Digital Music Entrepreneurship & Leadership Summit. Sponsored by HAPCO Foundation. Partnered with Alexion, Orlando Health®, Empire Finish Systems, LLC., and Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson.
Ruiz, J.V. (March 27, 2022). Fortifying Your Artistry, Brand, and Business with Clear Incentives. Digital Music Entrepreneurship & Leadership Summit. Sponsored by HAPCO Foundation. Partnered with Alexion, Orlando Health®, Empire Finish Systems, LLC., and Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson.
Ruiz, J.V. (March 26, 2022). Social Entrepreneurship Skills to Help Communities through the Arts. Digital Music Entrepreneurship & Leadership Summit. Sponsored by HAPCO Foundation. Partnered with Alexion, Orlando Health®, Empire Finish Systems, LLC., and Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson.
Ruiz, J.V. (March 26, 2022). Strategies for Launching, Managing, and Growing Your Dream Career. Digital Music Entrepreneurship & Leadership Summit. Sponsored by HAPCO Foundation. Partnered with Alexion, Orlando Health®, Empire Finish Systems, LLC., and Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson.
Ruiz, J.V. (January 15, 2022). Music as a Tool for Ecological Activism: Producing Albums With a Mission. West Virginia University
Ruiz, J.V. (January 17, 2022). Developing an Artistic Business Identity from a Judeo-Christian Worldview. Liberty University.
Ruiz, J.V., Shelton, C., & Lee, D. (October 15, 2021). A Discussion about the Making of 'Embarkation: The Resiliency of Humanity Amid Covid-19'. Creative Resilience: Musicology Symposium.
Ruiz, J.V. & Lee, D. (October 15, 2021). First Water, Then Fire. Creative Resilience: Musicology Symposium.
Ruiz, J.V. (June 15, 2021). Music Production as an Integral Factor for Fortifying Musicians' Savvy and Portfolios. HAPCO International Jazz and Entrepreneurship Camp.
Ruiz, J.V. (July 25, 2020). Preparing for Viable Musicianship Skills in a Globally-Connected Digital Economy. Beyond the Masterclass, University of Southern California.
Ruiz, J.V. (July 16, 2020). Best Marketing Practices for Production Enterprises via Digital Platforms in the Music Business 3.0. Global Music Production and Entrepreneurship Summit. Houston, TX.
Ruiz, J.V. (February 1, 2020). Making a Meaningful Career as a Creative Professional. University of North Carolina at Greensboro's Minerva Music Collective's Series. Greensboro, NC.
Ruiz, J.V. (February 1, 2020). Becoming the Polymath Flutist. University of North Carolina Greensboro's Minerva Music Collective's Series. Greensboro, NC.
Ruiz, J.V. (January 31, 2020). Relevancy as a Jazz Musician in Today's Online Music Industry. University of North Carolina Greensboro's Minerva Music Collective's Series. Greensboro, NC.
Ruiz, J.V. (January 31, 2020). Musical Adaptability for Culturally-Contextual Worship and Education. Missions 2020 Conference: Missions & Entrepreneurship. Cooper City Church. Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. & Wooten, V. (January 8, 2020). The Business of Music as an Audience-Centered Performer. Jazz Education Network International Conference in Dallas, TX.
Ruiz, J.V. & Wooten, V. (January 8, 2020). Effective Communication Strategies between the Ensemble and their Audience. Jazz Education Network International Conference in Dallas, TX.
Ruiz, J.V. (January 5, 2020). Scaling Your Career as a Performing Artist: Identity, Purpose, and Role. Caribbean Music Entrepreneurship Summit in Puerto Rico in San Juan, PR.
Ruiz, J.V. (January 5, 2020). Innovation and Entrepreneurship Suggestions for Music Producers. Caribbean Music Entrepreneurship Summit in Puerto Rico in San Juan, PR.
Ruiz, J.V. (October 6, 2019). Hispanics in Music Entrepreneurship: Expanding Our Reach to Impact The Next Generation of Latin Americans. Midlands Hispanic Conference. Omaha, NB.
Ruiz, J.V. (June 19, 2019). Music Adaptability and Fluidity: Steps Towards Unraveling Your Artistic Voice and Cultivating Your Niche in the Music Industry. Diaz Music Institute National Global Music Workshop Series in Houston, TX.
Ruiz, J.V. (June 19, 2019). From the Lens of an Emmy Award Winning Record Producer: Suggestions for Producing Musical Compositions for Television and Albums. Diaz Music Institute National Global Music Workshop Series in Houston, TX.
Ruiz, J.V. (June 18, 2019). Devising Capstone Improvisations: A Pragmatic Approach for All Musicians. Diaz Music Institute National Global Music Workshop Series in Houston, TX.
Ruiz, J.V. (June 18, 2019). An Interactive Masterclass: Preparing Flutists for the Competitiveness of the Industry. Diaz Music Institute National Global Music Workshop Series in Houston, TX.
Ruiz, J.V. (June 18, 2019). Navigating a Career as a Musical Director, Performer, Composer, and Producer Within Music Business Paradigms. Diaz Music Institute National Global Music Workshop Series, Houston, TX.
Ruiz, J.V. (June 15, 2019). Devising Capstone Improvisations: A Pragmatic Approach for Jazz Musicians. San Francisco Flute Society, San Francisco, CA.
Ruiz, J.V. (June 14, 2019). Navigating a Career as a Musical Director, Performer, Composer, and Producer Within the Independent Music Business Paradigm. San Francisco Flute Society, San Francisco, CA.
Ruiz, J.V. (June 30, 2018). Music Business & Entrepreneurial Strategies for Millennial Generation. Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico. San Juan, PR.
Ruiz, J.V. (June 29, 2018). Cultivating Imagery-Based Improvisations for non-Jazz Musicians. Presentation conducted at the Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico. San Juan, PR.
Ruiz, J.V. (June 28, 2018). Embracing and Embedding Your Cultural Identity in Musical Worship. Presentation conducted at PIB Penha, São Paolo, Brazil.
Ruiz, J.V. (January 25, 2018) Two compositions "Smooth Thang" and "Indigo Skies" were world-premiered in front of 3,000 people, performed by renowned Smooth Jazz flutist Andrea Joi, at the NAMM Show.
Ruiz, J.V., Pérez, G. (January 11, 2017). Dance Your Flute Off. National Flute Association Convention in Minneapolis, MN.
Ruiz, J.V. (July 24, 2016). Cultivating Your Creative Identity: Discussions on Improvisation, Music Production, and Music Business. Presentation conducted at the Beyond The Master Class summer camp at The Colburn School, Los Angeles, CA.
State/Local
Ruiz, J.V., Robertson, B., Bartholomew, Z., & Lee, D. (January 31, 2025). The Entrepreneurial Approach to Jazz & Beyond. Hapco Ocoee Jazz Festival. Orlando, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. (February 11, 2022). Music Entrepreneurship Today: Digitizing Your Art(istry) and Career. Presentation conducted at St. Petersburg College. St. Petersburg, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. (August 18, 2021). Arts Entrepreneurship: A Discussion. University of Florida College of the Arts Fall Symposium Arts Entrepreneurship Panel. Gainesville, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. (February 8, 2020). Branding and Networking in the Music Business. St. Petersburg College Music Industry Recording Arts program. St. Petersburg, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. (October 17, 2018). 4 Stages to the Creative Process: Explorations, Improvisation, Documentation, and Delivery: Application for Independent Artists and Producers. St. Petersburg College. St. Petersburg, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. (November 28, 2018). An Exploration of Puerto Rican Rhythms, Dance, and Improvisation: Bomba & Plena. The Conservatory of The Arts - sponsored by The Puerto Rican Cultural Foundation - Springfield, MA.
Ruiz, J.V. (April 20, 2018). Establishing The Philosophical Foundation for Your Artistic Identity: A Basis for Pursuing Your Career With Purpose. Thornton School of Music, University of Southern California. Los Angeles, CA.
Ruiz, J.V. (April 16, 2018). Steps Towards Unraveling Your Artistic Voice & Developing Your Niche in the Music Industry. Presentation conducted at the University of Texas. Rio Grande Valley, TX.
Ruiz, J.V. (April 6, 2018). Mastering Live Performance: A Deeper Look Into Capturing The Highest Quality Sound, & Applying Stereo Imaging and Harmonic Enhancers. Radford University, VA.
Ruiz, J.V. (April 6, 2018). Crowdfunding for Music Entrepreneurs. Presentation conducted at Radford University, VA.
Ruiz, J.V. (April 6, 2018). Identity, Purpose, & Role: Cultivating the Foundation for Your Music Business. Guest Lecturer at Radford University, VA.
Ruiz, J.V. (April 5, 2018). Understanding Copyright, Mechanical Licenses, & Sync Licenses. Guest Lecturer at Radford University, VA.
Ruiz, J.V. (April 2, 2018). Savvy Tips for Thriving As A Music Entrepreneur in Today’s Crazy Music Industry. Juilliard School of Music. New York, NY.
Ruiz, J.V. (March 18, 2018). The Power of Music for Dance & Visual Media. Guest Clinician at Jacksonville University, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. (November 14, 2017). Steps Towards Becoming More Creative in Music Worship Arts. COG Southeastern Hispanic Region's Youth Camp in Tifton, GA.
Ruiz, J.V. (July 13, 2017). Infusing Latin Musical Traditions within Millennial Music Traditions. Presentation conducted at COG Southeastern Hispanic Region's Youth Camp in Tifton, GA.
Workshops (PEER-REVIEWED)
International/National
Ruiz, J.V. (2025, February 28). The authentic artist: Building a fulfilling and sustainable flute career. Workshop presented at the Capital City Flute Festival, Boise, ID.
Ruiz, J.V. (2025, February 28). From passion to purpose: Establishing a flute-focused nonprofit for artistic impact. Workshop presented at the Capital City Flute Festival, Boise, ID.
Ruiz, J.V. (2025, March 1). Digital strategy for flute professionals: Maximizing reach, engagement, and impact. Workshop presented at the Capital City Flute Festival, Boise, ID.
Ruiz, J.V. (2025, March 1). Marketing the music: Digital branding and promotion for instrument-based nonprofits. Workshop presented at the Capital City Flute Festival, Boise, ID.
Ruiz, J.V. (2025, March 1). Flute, finances, and freedom: Creating a sustainable and balanced career in music. Workshop presented at the Capital City Flute Festival, Boise, ID.
Ruiz, J.V. & Madsen, P. (January 18, 2025). How Jazz Has, Is, and Will Continue to Be a Global Catalyst for Intercultural Empathy and Exchange. Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Atchugarry. Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Nieves, E. & Ruiz, J.V. (August 2, 2024). From Global Hip Hop to Artist Management: Lessons Learned & Implications for Aspiring Music Industry Students. Musikfest Music Industry & Education Conference. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Ruiz, J.V. (August 2, 2024). Industry-Leading Professor (ILP): What Does This Mean, How Do We Become It, & Intrapreneurial Implications in Higher Education. Musikfest Music Industry & Education Conference. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Nieves, E. & Ruiz, J.V. (August 1, 2024). Mastering Hip Hop & Spoken Word: Crafting Powerful Lyrics. Musikfest Music Industry & Education Conference. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Ruiz, J.V. (August 1, 2024). From Notes to Dollars ($$$): Strategies for Monetizing Arts Business & Entrepreneurship Curricula. Musikfest Music Industry & Education Conference. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Workshops (By Invitation)
International/National
Ruiz, J.V. (March 28, 2025). Improving Digital Content Strategy for Success as Creative Entrepreneurs. Lamar University. Beaumont, TX.
Ruiz, J.V. (March 28, 2025). The Messy Approach to Expressing Business & Entrepreneurship in the Creative Economy. Lamar University. Beaumont, TX.
Ruiz, J.V. (March 28, 2025). Commercializing & Connecting Your Audience with Curated Content. Lamar University. Beaumont, TX.
Ruiz, J.V. (March 27, 2025). How to Make Money from Your Artistic Career. Lamar University. Beaumont, TX.
Ruiz, J.V. (March 27, 2025). Thriving in the Arts: How to Build and Sustain a Profitable Creative Career. Lamar University. Beaumont, TX.
Ruiz, J.V. (March 27, 2025). Cross Cultural Improvisation & Musicianship. Lamar University. Beaumont, TX.
Ruiz, J.V. (January 20, 2025). Artificial Intelligence for Improving Operations and Business Efficiency in Arts Management. Museo de Artes Contemporaneo Artchugarry. Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Ruiz, J.V. (January 20, 2025). Candombe Jazz Integration: Exploring Rhythms and Cultural Fusion. Museo de Artes Contemporaneo Artchugarry. Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Ruiz, J.V. (January 19, 2025). Entrepreneurship in the Arts: Strategies for Building Sustainable Careers. Museo de Artes Contemporaneo Artchugarry. Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Ruiz, J.V. (January 19, 2025). Innovative Fundraising Models for Arts Organizations. Museo de Artes Contemporaneo Artchugarry. Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Ruiz, J.V. (January 18, 2025). Music Licensing and Copyright for Artists and Entrepreneurs. Museo de Artes Contemporaneo Artchugarry. Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Ruiz, J.V. (January 18, 2025). Social Media Strategies for Arts Promotion and Audience Engagement. Museo de Artes Contemporaneo Artchugarry. Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Ruiz, J.V. (January 18, 2025). Leveraging Data Analytics for Decision-Making in Arts Management. Museo de Artes Contemporaneo Artchugarry. Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Ruiz, J.V. (January 17, 2025). Design Thinking for Creative Problem-Solving in the Arts. Museo de Artes Contemporaneo Artchugarry. Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Ruiz, J.V. (January 17, 2025). Building Cultural Bridges Through Collaborative Music and Performance. Museo de Artes Contemporaneo Artchugarry. Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Ruiz, J.V. (November 20, 2023). Jazz Fusion Entrepreneurship: Innovating Across Cultural Boundaries. El Conservatorio Marcos Redondo. Ciudad Real, Spain.
Ruiz, J.V. (November 20, 2023). Global Grooves: Building Business Bridges Through Music. El Conservatorio Marcos Redondo. Ciudad Real, Spain.
Ruiz, J.V. (November 20, 2023). Syncopated Strategies: Entrepreneurial Insights from Jazz and Global Music. El Conservatorio Marcos Redondo. Ciudad Real, Spain.
Ruiz, J.V. (November 20, 2023). The Art of Improvisation: Creative Problem-Solving for Entrepreneurs. El Conservatorio Marcos Redondo. Ciudad Real, Spain.
Ruiz, J.V. (November 20, 2023). Mastering Music Production: From Concept to Creation. El Conservatorio Marcos Redondo. Ciudad Real, Spain.
Ruiz, J.V. (November 20, 2023). Career Readiness for Aspiring Professionals: Building a Path in the Arts. El Conservatorio Marcos Redondo. Ciudad Real, Spain.
Ruiz, J.V. (November 20, 2023). Business Essentials for Creatives: Entrepreneurial Skills for Success. El Conservatorio Marcos Redondo. Ciudad Real, Spain.
Ruiz, J.V. (October 2022). The Entrepreneurial Side of Piano Performance Careers: What You Need To Know. Utah State University. Logan, UT.
Ruiz, J.V. (October 6, 2022). Business & Musicianship: Improvisational Tips for Improving Your Connection to Your Fan Base. University of Nebraska at Omaha. Omaha, NB.
Ruiz, J.V. (October 5, 2022). Improving Improvisation for Global Music Performances. University of Nebraska at Omaha. Omaha, NB.
Ruiz, J.V. (September 15, 2022). Cross-Cultural & Cross-Generational Musicianship Skills for the Multi-Hyphenate Music Entrepreneur. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Whitewater, WI.
Ruiz, J.V. (September 15, 2022). Getting to the GRAMMY®s and Beyond: How to Produce Musical Albums for Advocacy and Social Impact. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Whitewater, WI.
Ruiz, J.V. (September 14, 2022). Becoming Truly Free as a Musical Artist: 8 Strategies for Multi-Dimensional Output. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Whitewater, WI.
Ruiz, J.V. (September 14, 2022). A Viable Way of Teaching Popular Music Styles in Applied Lessons and in Music Education/Theory Classes. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Whitewater, WI.
Ruiz, J.V. (June 6, 2022). Digital Musicianship and Production: Applications of MIDI Keyboards. The University of Florida International Piano Festival. Gainesville, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. (June 18, 2019). Improvisatory Nuances: How to Switch from Funk, to Fusion, to Straight-Ahead Jazz, to Popular Music at a Moment's Notice. Presentation conducted at the Diaz Music Institute National Global Music Workshop Series in Houston, TX.
Ruiz, J.V. (November 10, 2018). Ideation, Creation, Execution, & Branding: Suggestions for Aspiring Music Entrepreneurs (for Instrumentalists and Vocalists). Greater Portland Flute Society. Portland, OR.
Ruiz, J.V. (August 9, 2018). Cultivating Your Artistic Identity & Establishing Your Niche In The Music Industry. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Haas Fine Arts Center. Eau Claire, WI.
Ruiz, J.V. (July 8, 2018). Cultivating Imagery-Based Improvisations for Non-Jazz Musicians. Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico. San Juan, PR.
Ruiz, J.V. (July 26, 2017). Learn to Improvise Using your Imagination! Ivory Global Management's 10th Annual Summer Music Camp at Nassau, Bahamas.
State/Local
Ruiz, J.V. (April 26, 2025). Entrepreneurship as Experiential Learning: Competitions, Jams, and Career Readiness. University of Florida Faculty and Staff Career Symposium. Gainesville, FL.
Pershounin, A. & Ruiz, J.V. (January 10, 2025). Future-Ready Bassists: Preparing Your Bass Students for Success in Higher Education and Beyond. Florida Music Educators Association. Tampa, FL.
Fung, C.V., Ruiz, J.V., & Nieves, E. (January 9, 2025). Rapping a Philosophy of Music Education: A Song for Music Teachers. Florida Music Educators Association. Tampa, FL.
Ruiz, J.V., Arkoudis, E., & Nieves, E. (October 4, 2024). Initiating, Sustaining, and Growing Intercultural Arts Management & Joint Ventures. Music Business & Entrepreneurship Summit. Gainesville, FL.
Ruiz, J.V., Arkoudis, E., & Nieves, E. (October 4, 2024). One-on-One Career Consultation for Artist Management. Music Business & Entrepreneurship Summit. Gainesville, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. (October 4, 2024). AI for Global Arts Management. Music Business & Entrepreneurship Summit. Gainesville, FL.
Arkoudis, E. & Ruiz, J.V. (October 4, 2024). Global Collaborations in Arts Management. Music Business & Entrepreneurship Summit. Gainesville, FL.
Avich, R. & Ruiz, J.V. (October 2, 2024). Digital Content Creation for Business Growth. Music Business & Entrepreneurship Summit. Gainesville, FL.
Avich, R. & Ruiz, J.V. (October 2, 2024). The Cuban Tres: Creativity and Cultural Impact. Music Business & Entrepreneurship Summit. Gainesville, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. & Arkoudis, E. (October 2, 2024). Creative Professional Lecture Series: Forecasting the Future of Music Business & Entrepreneurship at the University of Florida. Music Business & Entrepreneurship Summit. Gainesville, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. & Arkoudis, E. (October 2, 2024). Community Arts program, Entreprneuership, and Education. Music Business & Entrepreneurship Summit. Gainesville, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. & Arkoudis, E. (October 1, 2024). Indie Artist Success. Music Business & Entrepreneurship Summit. Gainesville, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. & Arkoudis, E. (October 1, 2024). Branding the Cross-Cultural Arts Entrepreneur. Music Business & Entrepreneurship Summit. Gainesville, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. & Arkoudis, E. (April 10, 2024). $$$ Profit Playbook: Music Business Edition $$$. St. Petersburg College. St. Petersburg, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. (April 10, 2024). From Gig to Business: Entrepreneurial Ventures for Arts Professionals. Florida Atlantic University. Boca Raton, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. (April 9, 2024). Negotiating the Tune: Strategies for Artists in Business Deals. Florida Atlantic University. Boca Raton, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. (April 8, 2024). Innovate and Amplify: Product Innovation for Arts Entrepreneurs. Florida Atlantic University. Boca Raton, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. (April 8, 2024). Sound Strategies: Marketing Essentials for Musicians. Florida Atlantic University. Boca Raton, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. (April 7, 2024). Beyond the Stage: Monetizing Arts Innovations in the Digital Age. Florida Atlantic University. Boca Raton, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. (April 5, 2024). Bossa Nova Business: Harnessing the Soul of Brazilian Music for Entrepreneurial Growth. St. Petersburg College. St. Petersburg, FL.
Ruiz, J.V. (November 16, 2021). Managing a Multi-Hyphenate Music Entrepreneurial Career as an Independent Enterprise Owner. Presentation conducted at Azuza Pacific University. Azuza, CA.
Ruiz, J.V. (October 7, 2020). Suggestions for High-Quality Remote-Recording Music Production Services. Presentation conducted at Florida Atlantic University. Boca Raton, FL.
Guest Lectures at the University of Florida
In addition to conducting workshops, master classes, and delivering keynotes, my colleagues at the University of Florida School of Music and I consistently engage in collaborative efforts to cover each other's classes, particularly when they address specialized subjects that intersect with our respective disciplines. This holistic approach to education is exemplified by my own practice of integrating teachings from the realms of music business, entrepreneurship, and production, thereby enriching the learning experience and offering a more comprehensive and applicable knowledge base to our students.
Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 Academic Year
Guest Lecturer for Career Connection Center
Guest Lecturer for CAME’s 2025 Conference
Guest Lecturer for College of Engineering’s Engineering Innovation Institute (IGNITE)
Guest Lecturer for Foundations of Music Business
Guest Lecturer for Musical Theater Business Course’s Shark Tank
Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 Academic Year
Guest Lecturer for Digital Musicianship & Production
Guest Lecturer for Music Production in Commercial Media
Guest Lecturer for Jazz Ensemble
Guest Lecturer for State of the School Event
Guest Lecturer for UF Christian Faculty Fellowship
Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 Academic Year
Guest Lecturer for Music in Higher Education
Guest Lecturer for Jazz, Hip Hop, and African Connections
Guest Lecturer for Research and Creativity
Guest Lecturer for Applied Voice Lessons
Guest Lecturer for Jazz Ensemble
Guest Lecturer for Musicology Colloquium
Guest Performer for State of the School Event
Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 Academic Year
Guest Lecturer for Introduction to Electro-Acoustic Music
Guest Lecturer for Voice Studio
Guest Lecturer for Flute Choir
Guest Lecturer for Music Production in Commercial Media
Guest Lecturer for Quest Course: Music and Emotion
Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 Academic Year
Guest Lecturer for Undergraduate Research & Creativity
Guest Lecturer for Creative Professional Lecture Series
Guest Lecturer for Large Jazz Ensemble I
Guest Lecturer for Advanced Musicianship Skills
Guest Lecturer for Concert Choir
Guest Lecturer for University of Florida NAfME Chapter Meeting
Guest Lecturer for Introduction to Music Research
Guest Lecturer for Voice Studio
Guest Performer for State of the School Event
Guest Lecturer for Electronic Music
Guest Lecturer for Bassoon Studio
Guest Lecturer for Sabbatical Replacement Mary Birkner’s Flute Studio
Guest Lecturer for Jazz Theory Class
Guest Lecture for Advanced Musicianship Skills
Guest Performer for Guitar Studio
Guest Lecture for Music Theory I