Distinctions & Awards in Entrepreneurship, Music, Business, Production, Communications, Leadership, Research, & Education

2024

Top 10 Most-Read Blogs of 2024: No.6 “The Four R’s of Music Education” by José Valentino Ruiz & Eftihia Arkoudis. National Association for Music Education. (December 26, 2024).

Top 10 Most-Read Blogs of 2024: No.11 “The H.E.A.R.T. Model for Inspiring Growth through Experiential Learning and Resilience in Music Education” by José Valentino Ruiz & José Leonardo Leon. National Association for Music Education. (December 26, 2024).

Named ‘Expert Columnist for Music Business & Creative Entreprise Leadership’ for Fflat-Book.com. (December 4, 2024).

Latin GRAMMY® Award Nomination for Best Instrumental Album, “Claude Bolling Goes Latin: Suite for Flute & Latin Music Ensemble” by Carlomagno Araya & José Valentino. Served as Flutist and Recording Engineer. National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. (September 17, 2024).

25th Anniversary Latin GRAMMY® Awards Museum Exhibition. “A La Fiesta de la Música Vamos Todos” by Artist, Sophia, and Producer by José Valentino recognized for producing album which features youngest GRAMMY® Winner in history (Jaden). Gary Nader Arts Center, Miami. (September 26 - December 20, 2024).

25th Anniversary Latin GRAMMY® Awards Museum Exhibition. “A La Fiesta de la Música Vamos Todos” by Artist, Sophia, and Producer by José Valentino recognized for producing album which features youngest GRAMMY® Winner in history (Jaden). GRAMMY® Museum, Los Angeles. (September 19 - December 18, 2024).

Prix CANAL+ Special 50th Anniversaire Award® Winner for “The School Duel” Film by Todd Wiseman Jr. Deauville Festival of American Cinema. Served as Music Producer, Composer, Music Editor, & Audio Engineer (September 14, 2024).

25th Anniversary Latin GRAMMY® Awards Museum Exhibition. “A La Fiesta de la Música Vamos Todos” by Artist, Sophia, and Producer by José Valentino recognized for producing album which features youngest GRAMMY® Winner in history (Jaden). The Paley Museum for Media, New York. (September 13 - November 3, 2024).

Global Music® Award Winner –– Gold Medal of Excellence® for Instrumental Album–– for “Claude Bolling Goes Latin: Suite for Flute & Latin Music Ensemble” by Carlomagno Araya & José Valentino. (June 28, 2024)

Global Music® Award Outstanding Achievement Award Winner for Latin Jazz Album for “Big Band Brazil” by Hendrick Meurkins & Carlomagno Araya featuring Paquito D’Rivera, José Valentino, Diego Urcola, Claudio Spiewak, & Ismael Vergara. Served as Featured Artist, Flutist & Recording Engineer. (June 28, 2024)

Global Music® Award Outstanding Achievement Award Winner for Instrumentalist for “The Way of Wood and Water” by Derris Lee. Served as Producer. (June 28, 2024)

Global Music® Award Broze Medal Award Winner for Andean-Americana Folk Group for “Avantguardia” by Búho Azul. Served as Bassist & Recording Engineer. (June 28, 2024)

Global Music® Award Bronze Medal Award Winner for Latin Children’s Music Album for “En Busca del Gramm Dorado” by Sophia. Served as Producer, Flutist, Saxophonist, and Recording Engineer. (June 28, 2024)

Global Music® Award Broze Medal Award Winner for Band Category for “Falar Abobrinha” by O Som Do Jazz. Served as Flutist, Saxophonist, and Recording Engineer. (June 28, 2024)

Global Music® Award Bronze Medal Award Winner for Composition for “Cara de Pau” by O Som Do Jazz. Served as Flutist, Saxophonist, and Recording Engineer. (June 28, 2024)

2024 Miami Film Festival Official Selection for “The Asylum” (Basketball Documentary). Premiered at the Adrianne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Served as Film Composer (April 10, 2024)

Global Music® Award Outstanding Achievement Award Winner for Latin Jazz for “José Valentino & UNO Jazz Ensemble 1: “We Are One” Live Concert at Great Plains Jazz Festival” (March 21, 2024)

Global Music® Award Outstanding Achievement Award Winner for Instrumentalist for “Highland Serenade” for Solo Flute. Served as Composer and Instrumentalist (flutist). Produced with Denis Vasenin. (March 21, 2024)

DownBeat® Student Music® Award Winner for Graduate College Winner. (Category: Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist) — Faculty Mentor for Derris Lee. DownBeat® Magazine. (Information is embargoed until June 1, 2024).

DownBeat® Student Music® Award Winner for Graduate College Outstanding Performance. (Category: Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist) — Faculty Mentor for Jorge Galvan. DownBeat® Magazine. (Information is embargoed until June 1, 2024).

UK International Music Competition’ Absolute First Prize® Winner in Original Composition for “Highland Serenade.” (February 19, 2024)

UK International Music Competition’ Master Prize® Winner in Concerto. Served as Featured Artist on Flute, Tenor Saxophone, and Bass Guitar for “Found Connection” for Multi-Instrumentalist and Wind Symphony. (February 19, 2024)

Erik Satie International Music Competition Diamond Prize® Winner for Concerto. Served as Featured Artist on Flute, Tenor Saxophone, and Bass Guitar for “Found Connection” for Multi-Instrumentalist and Wind Symphony. (February 8, 2024)

Erik Satie International Music Competition Platinum Prize® Winner for Composition. Served as Flutist and Composer for “Highland Serenade” for Solo Flute. (February 8, 2024)

Erik Satie International Music Competition Excellent Creativity Special Prize® Winner for Music Video for “Highland Serenade.” Served as Flutist, Composer, and Producer for “Highland Serenade” for Solo Flute. (February 8, 2024)

International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences’ ANTHEM® Award Winner for Education, Art, and Culture (Best Strategy) for “Getting to the GRAMMY®s and Beyond: Music Entrepreneurship Curricula Meets the Red Carpet.” Served as Director, Producer, Music Supervisor, Executive Producer, and Protagonist. Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts. (January 30, 2024)

Global Genius® Music Competition Grand Prix® Award Winner (overall best musician of the competition). Served as Flutist, Saxophonist, Bassist, & Composer. (January 22, 2024)

Global Genius® Music Competition Season Top 1® Award Winner. Served as Flutist, Saxophonist, Bassist, & Composer. (January 22, 2024)

Global Genius® Music Tecnical Mastery Musical Genius® Award Winner. Served as Flutist, Saxophonist, and Bassist for “José Valentino Trio: Live at Paris Recording Studio” (January 22, 2024)

Global Genius® Music Competition Concerto® Platinum Award Winner. Served as Featured Artist on Flute, Tenor Saxophone, and Bass Guitar for “Found Connection” for Multi-Instrumentalist and Wind Symphony (January 22, 2024)

Global Genius® Music Competition Jazz® Platinum Award Winner. Served as Flutist, Saxophonist, Bassist, and Percussionist for “José Valentino Trio: Live at Paris Recording Studio.” (January 22, 2024)

Global Genius® Music Competition Composer® Platinum Award Winner for “Embarkation: The Resiliency of Humanity Amid Covid-19” (January 22, 2024)

Global Genius® Music Competition Chamber Music® Platinum Award Winner for “José Valentino Trio: Live at Paris Recording Studio.” (January 22, 2024)

Global Genius® Music Competition Outstanding Teacher® Award Winner. Advisor to Platinum® Award Winning Competitor, Derris Lee. (January 22, 2024)

Global Genius® Music Competition Hall of Fame® Inductee. Advisor to Platinum® Award Winning Competitor, Derris Lee. (January 22, 2024)

Guitar Foundation of America International Commissioned Composer. Guitar Foundation of America International Conference. Awarded: $5000 (January 13, 2022).

Honorable League of Global Exceptional Teachers® Award Winner. Advisor to Platinum® Award Winning Competitor, Derris Lee. (January 22, 2024)

Beethovinci International® Music Competition Grand Prize® Award Winner (overall best performer of the competition). Served as Flutist, Saxophonist, and Bassist. (January 15, 2024)

Beethovinci International® Music Competition Platinum Prize® Award Winner for Concerto Performance. Served as Featured Artist on Flute, Tenor Saxophone, and Bass Guitar for “Found Connection” for Multi-Instrumentalist and Wind Symphony (January 15, 2024)

Audio Visual Arts Digital® Platinum Award Winner for “2023 Sounds of the Season” for Televised Production. Served as Featured Artist on Soprano Saxophonist and Bass Guitar. Association for Marketing & Communication Professionals. (January 15, 2024)

2023

Global Music® Award Outstanding Achievement Award Winner for Global Choir Album for “Ramirez Reimagined: Misa Criolla & Navidad Nuestra” by Willard Kesling, José Valentino, & Cory Evans featuring the University of Florida Concert Choir and Latin American Music Collective (December 15, 2023)

International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences’ ANTHEM® Award Nomination for Education, Art, and Culture (Best Strategy) for “Getting to the GRAMMY®s and Beyond: Music Entrepreneurship Curricula Meets the Red Carpet.” Served as Director, Producer, Music Supervisor, Executive Producer, and Protagonist. Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts. (December 7, 2023)

43rd Annual Paladino D'Oro Sport Film Festival University® Award Winner for “The Asylum” directed by Jamie Gutierrez. Served as Film Composer. (November 25, 2023)

Honorable League of Global Exceptional Music Teachers® Award Recipient. World Online Music Competitions Organization. (October 23, 2023)

Global Genius® Award for Outstanding Teaching® Award Winner –– Teacher of Platinum Prize Winner. Global Genius® Music Competition. (October 23, 2023)

International DAVEY® Award Winner for Film/Video - Education for “Getting to the GRAMMY®s and Beyond: Music Entrepreneurship Curricula Meets the Red Carpet.” Served as Director, Producer, Music Supervisor, Executive Producer, and Protagonist. Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts. (October 23, 2023)

43rd Annual Paladino D'Oro Sport Film Festival University® Award Nomination for “The Asylum” directed by Jamie Gutierrez. Served as Film Composer. (October 19, 2023)

43rd Annual Paladino D'Oro Sport Film Festival Best Documentary® Award Nomination for “The Asylum” directed by Jamie Gutierrez. Served as Film Composer. (October 19, 2023)

Global Music® Award Winner of Excellence for Instrumentalist (Gold Medal) for “Found Connections” Concerto for Wind Symphony and Multi-Instrumentalist (Flute, Tenor Saxophone, and Bass Guitar) by José Valentino & University of Florida Wind Symphony, Conducted by David Waybright, and Composed by Ricardo Lorenz. Served as Featured Soloist (Flute, Tenor Saxophone, & Bass Guitar), Recording Engineer, Producer, Mixing Engineer, and Mastering Engineer. (September 28, 2023)

Global Music® Award Winner of Excellence for Recording/Production (Gold) for “Found Connections” Concert for Wind Symphony and Multi-Instrumentalist (Flute, Tenor Saxophone, and Bass Guitar) by José Valentino & University of Florida Wind Symphony, Conducted by David Waybright, and Composed by Ricardo Lorenz. Served as Featured Soloist (Flute, Tenor Saxophone, & Bass Guitar), Recording Engineer, Producer, Mixing Engineer, and Mastering Engineer. (September 28, 2023)

Global Music® Award Outstanding Achievement Award Winner for 2023 Jazz Fusion Album for “In the Twinkling of an Eye” by Derris Lee & José Valentino. Served as Co-Artist, Flutist, Saxophonist, Keyboardist, Bassist, Percussionist, Producer, Composer, Recording Engineer, Mixing Engineer, and Mastering Engineer. (September 28, 2023)

Global Music® Award Winner for Concept for “Qi-Philo Flow” by Fung Flow. Served as Artist, Keyboardist, Flutist, Bassist, & Percussionist, Producer, Composer, & Engineer. (September 28, 2023)

Global Music® Award Winner for Creativity/Originality for “Qi-Philo Flow” by Fung Flow. Served as Artist, Keyboardist, Flutist, Bassist, Percussionist, Producer, Composer, & Engineer. (September 28, 2023)

Global Music® Award Winner for Concept for “Soulful Sages” by Fung Flow. Served as Artist, Keyboardist, Flutist, Bassist, Percussionist, Producer, Composer, & Engineer. (September 28, 2023)

Global Music® Award Winner for Creativity/Originality for “Soulful Sages” by Fung Flow. Served as Artist, Keyboardist, Flutist, Bassist, Percussionist, Producer, Composer, & Engineer. (September 28, 2023)

Global Music® Award Winner for Duo Album for “Keys to the Groove” by Lannie Battistini & José Valentino. Served as Co-Artist, Bassist, Producer, & Recording Engineer. (September 28, 2023)

Latin GRAMMY® Award Nomination for Best Instrumental Album, “TRES.” Served as Recording Engineer and Flutist. National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. (September 19, 2022).

38th Annual Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival Official Section for “The Asylum” directed by Jamie Gutierrez. Served as Film Composer. (September 15, 2023)

43rd Annual Paladino D'Oro Sport Film Festival Official Section for “The Asylum” directed by Jamie Gutierrez. Served as Film Composer. (September 15, 2023)

43rd Annual Paladino D'Oro Sport Film Festival Social® Award Nomination for “The Asylum” directed by Jamie Gutierrez. Served as Film Composer. (September 15, 2023)

Impact DOCS® Award of Excellence for Documentary Feature for “The Asylum” directed by Jamie Gutierrez. Served as Film Composer. (August 30, 2023)

International Singer-Songwriters Association Award® Winner for International Female Album of the Year for “Es Amor” by Delia Cano. Served as Recording Engineer and Saxophonist. International Singer-Songwriters Association. (August 5, 2023)

Global Music® Outstanding Achievement Award Winner for Latin Jazz Album for “Eternal Power” by José Valentino & Robert Acevedo Jr. Served as Artist, Multi-Instrumentalist, Composer, Arranger, Producer, Mastering Engineer, & Record Label Executive. Global Music Awards. (July 10, 2023)

Global Music® Outstanding Achievement Award Winner as Instrumentalist for “Cuerdas de Corazón (Homenaje a Arturo Bermudez)” by José Valentino. Served as Artist, Bassist, Flutist, Saxophonist, Composer, Arranger, Producer, Mastering Engineer, & Record Label Executive. Global Music Awards. (July 10, 2023)

Global Music® Outstanding Achievement Award Winner for Jazz Single for “Upsilon” by Lannie Battistini feat. José Valentino. Served as Featured Artist, Bassist, Saxophonist, Recording Engineer, & Co-Producer. Global Music Awards. (July 10, 2023)

Global Music® Outstanding Achievement Award Winner for Jazz Single for “Final Destination” by Lannie Battistini & José Valentino. Served as Artist, Bassist, Recording Engineer, & Co-Producer. Global Music Awards. (July 10, 2023)

The Communicator® Award Winner for Consumer Marketing & Communication: Film & Video (Use of Music) for “Drumming River.” Served as Producer, Arranger, Engineer, and Executive Producer. Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts. (May 4, 2023).

Global Music® Award Winner for Christmas Music for “I Surrender All–O Come All Ye Faithful–Silent Night” by Thaddaeus Bourne, Derris Lee, & José Valentino. Served as Flutist, Producer, Engineer, Album Cover Artist, & Record Label Executive. Global Music Awards. (March 18, 2023).

Audio Visual Arts Digital® Platinum Award Winner for Long Form Music Video for “Oh Korea!” by UF Concert Choir. Served as Producer, Mixing Engineer, and Mastering Engineer. Association for Marketing and Communication Professionals (February 25, 2023).

Audio Visual Arts Digital® Gold Award Winner for Long Form Music Video for “2022 Sounds of the Season” by UF Symphony Choir. Served as Featured Saxophonist, Flutist, and Arranger. Association for Marketing and Communication Professionals (February 25, 2023).

Anthem® Award Winner for Education, Arts, and Culture (category: Strategy) for the documentary, “Getting to the Grammy®s and Beyond: An Insight to Student/Professor Collaborative Albums/Music Video Projects for Promoting Ecological Advocacy and Social Impact.” Served as Director, Executive Producer, and Principal Investigator. International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (February 15, 2023).

2022

Inc. Magazine’s Best in Business® Award Winner for Advertising (Hayden5). Serve as Resident Media Composer (December 28, 2022).

Global Music® Award Winner for Funk Fusion Album for “Rompiendo Fronteras (Breaking Boundaries)” by José Valentino, Shawn Perkinson, & Alex Acuña. Served as Co-Artist, Arranger, Flutist, Saxophonist, Vocalist, Bassist, Synth Solo (track 1), Producer, Recording Engineer, & Marketing Director. Global Music Awards. (December 18, 2022).

Global Music® Outstanding Achievement Award Winner for Contemporary Classical Music Album for “Embarkation: The Resiliency of Humanity Amid COVID-19” by José Valentino & Bruno Miranda (feat. Vladimir Suarez A., José Leonardo Leon, & Derris Lee). Served as Co-Artist, Flutist, Recording Engineer, Composer, & Marketing Director. Global Music Awards. (December 18, 2022).

Global Music® Award for Alternative Album for “Moons for Eyes” by Robert “Bobby” Price. Served as Producer, Bassist, & Mastering Engineer. Global Music Awards. (December 18, 2022).

Global Music® Award for Multi-Genre Album for “Unveiled Wonder” by UF & NCSU Collaborative Music Entrepreneurship Ensemble. Served as Producer, Flutist, Bassist, Vocalist, Recording Engineer, & Mastering Engineer. Global Music Awards. (December 18, 2022).

Global Music® Award for Contemporary Classical Music Album for “Serpent Mound” by Chris Shelton. Served as Producer & Mastering Engineer. Global Music Awards. (December 18, 2022).

Latin GRAMMY® Award Winning album participant for Best Christian Album in Spanish Language for Marcos Witt’s album, “Viviré.” Served as Recording Engineer, Featured Saxophone Soloist, and Background Vocalist. National Academy of Christian Arts and Sciences. (November 17, 2022).

Latin GRAMMY® Award Winner for Best Latin Children’s Album for Sophia’s album, “A la Fiesta de la Música Vamos Todos.” Served as Lead Producer, Recording Engineer, Mixing Engineer, Marketing Director, Multi-instrumentalist (i.e., bass, flute, MIDI Keyboard, saxophone). (November 17, 2022).

Inc. Magazine’s Power Partner® Award Winner - Hayden5. Power Partner honors B2B companies around the world that have proven to be great partners to entrepreneurs and startups. 252 firms were recognized in marketing and advertising, health and human resources, financial planning, engineering, logistics, and security, along with other areas of business. I work as Resident Media Composer for Hayden5 (November 21, 2022).

International DAVEY® Award Winner for Virtual & Remote Experiences in Music (Gold Award) for the remote music production album by José Valentino, Shawn Perkinson, and Alex Acuña, “Rompiendo Fronteras (Breaking Boundaries).” Served as Co-Artist, Producer, Flutist, Saxophonist, Bassist, Vocalist, and Synth Soloist. Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts (AIVA). (October 27, 2022).

Dove® Award Winning album participant for Spanish Language Album of the Year for Marcos Witt’s album, “Viviré.” Served as Recording Engineer, Featured Saxophone Soloist, and Background Vocalist. Gospel Music Association. (October 18, 2022).

Global Music® Award for Experimental Album (Bronze Medal) for José Valentino and Chris Shelton’s album, “Jubilee.” Served as flutist, producer, composer, marketing director, & mastering engineer. (September 29, 2022).

Latin GRAMMY® Award Nominated album participant for Best Christian Album in Spanish Language for Marcos Witt’s album, “Viviré.” Served as Recording Engineer, Featured Saxophone Soloist, and Background Vocalist. National Academy of Christian Arts and Sciences. (September 20, 2022).

Latin GRAMMY® Award Nomination for Best Latin Children’s Album for Sophia’s album, “A la Fiesta de la Música Vamos Todos.” Served as Lead Producer, Recording Engineer, Mixing Engineer, Marketing Director, and Multi-instrumentalist (i.e., bass, flute, MIDI Keyboard, saxophone). (September 20, 2022).

Global Genius Music® Award - Outstanding Teaching Award (August 16, 2022). My student, Derris Lee, earned the following awards:

Global Genius Music® Award (Gold): World Music (drums & percussion)
Global Genius Music® Award (Gold): 22 years + category
Global Genius Music® Award (Special Award): Excellent Technique

Dove® Award Nominated album participant for Spanish Language Album of the Year for Marcos Witt’s album, “Viviré.” Served as Recording Engineer, Featured Saxophone Soloist, and Background Vocalist. National Academy of Christian Arts and Sciences. (August 18, 2022).

Global Music® Award Winner for Vocal Jazz Album (Silver Medal) for Donna Scott’s album, “A Carpenter from Chicago.” Served as Lead Producer, Mixing Engineer, Featured Artist (i.e., flutes, saxophones, bass, piano, percussion, and vocals), Recording Engineer, Mixing Engineer, and Mastering Engineer. The Global Music® Awards. (July 19, 2022).

DownBeat® Student Music® Award Winner for Undergraduate College Outstanding Performances. (Category: Jazz Soloist) — Faculty Mentor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2022).

Arpa® Award Winning album participant for Best Male Vocal Album for Marcos Witt’s album, “Viviré.” Served as Recording Engineer, Featured Saxophone Soloist, and Background Vocalist. National Academy of Christian Arts and Sciences. (May 17, 2022).

Arpa® Award Nominated album participant for Album of the Year for Marcos Witt’s album, “Viviré.” Served as Recording Engineer, Featured Saxophone Soloist, and Background Vocalist. National Academy of Christian Arts and Sciences. (May 1, 2022).

Arpa® Award Nominated album participant for Best Male Vocal Album of the Year for Marcos Witt’s album, “Viviré.” Served as Recording Engineer, Featured Saxophone Soloist, and Background Vocalist. National Academy of Christian Arts and Sciences. (May 1, 2022).

Top 10 Most Innovate Companies in the World® Award Winner (Category: Video). Fast Company. Served as Resident Media Composer for Hayden 5. (Fast Company is the world's leading progressive business media brand, with a unique editorial focus on innovation in technology, leadership, and design). (March 28, 2022).

Invited to be an Editorial Board Member for the flagship journal, “Artivate: A Journal of Entrepreneurship in the Arts.” (March 15, 2022).

Guitar Foundation of America International Commissioned Composer. Guitar Foundation of America International Conference. Awarded: $2500 (January 13, 2022).

Global Music® Award Winner for Nuevo Flamenco (Bronze Medal) for Maharajah Flamenco Trio’s album, “Felices Días.” I served as Lead Producer, Mixing Engineer, Featured Artist (i.e., flutes, saxophones, auxiliary percussion, and vocals), and Recording Engineer. The Global Music® Awards. (January 28, 2022).

2021

Praise Music® Award Winner for International Singer of the Year. Marcos Witt’s album, “Vívire.” Served as Recording Engineer, Background Vocalist, and Saxophonist for the album that was contending for this award. Praise Music Awards. (November 16, 2021).

University of Florida Foundation Preeminence Term Professorship (Nomination). One faculty member for each college within the University of Florida. (August 10, 2021).

Audio Visual Arts Digital® Award Winner for Best Music Video (Gold Medal) for PBS’s “Sounds of the Season: Conquering COVID with a Carol.” Served as Lead Music Producer, Supervisor of Audio & Music Production, & Mastering Engineer. Association for Marketing and Communication Professionals. (January 15, 2021).

USF Outstanding Young Alumni® Award Winner. Recognized for excellence and established leadership in creative arts entrepreneurship, global outreach, and education. 6 out of 100,000+ alumni were selected. University of South Florida. (January 6, 2021).

Farandole Global® Award Winner for Best Ballad Song. Farandole Global® Award. Served as Recording Engineer, Producer, and Bassist for “El Triste” by Ricky Reyes (December 18, 2021).

Farandole Global® Award Nomination for Best Ballad Song. Farandole Global® Award. Served as Recording Engineer, Producer, and Bassist for “El Triste” by Ricky Reyes (September 24, 2021).

Hillsborough County Commendation (Tampa Bay) recipient for Excellence in Cultural Entrepreneurship Award. Hillsborough County Commissioners. (February 18, 2021).

2020

Latin GRAMMY® Award Winner for Best Classical Contemporary Composition for “Sacre.” Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. (November 18, 2020).

Latin GRAMMY® Award Nomination for Best Classical Contemporary Composition for “Sacre.”(Top #5 out of all submissions) - the preeminent, international, peer-reviewed competition in the music industry. (September 27, 2020).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Engineered Live Recording (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2020).

CDBaby.com #1 most-sold salsa single for “Careless Whispers (featuring José Valentino)” by La Paris All-Stars the largest independent music digital distribution site. Produced at Paris Recording Music Enterprises. (March 1, 2020).

2019

Pandora Radio’s Top 10 Christmas Albums for the album, “Christmas with José Valentino.” 71.4 million active users. (December 2, 2019).

Latin GRAMMY® Award Winning album participant for Best Christian Album in Spanish Language for Juan Delgado’s “Todo Pasa.” Served as Recording Engineer and Flutist. Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. (November 19, 2019).

Reached #1 album in Top 100 Salsa Charts for La Paris All-Stars's album, “Los Escojidos V.2.” Served as Artist and Producer. CDBaby. (October 15, 2019).

Reached #1 album in Top 100 Salsa Charts for La Paris All-Stars's album, “Careless Whispers featuring José Valentino.” Served as Artist-Saxophonist and Producer. CDBaby. (October 15, 2019).

Latin GRAMMY® Award Nominated album participant for Best Christian Album in Spanish Language for Juan Delgado’s “Todo Pasa.” Served as Recording Engineer and Flutist. Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. (September 27, 2019).

Gary D. Beckman Research Impact® Award Finalist for “An Insight on the Teaching Entrepreneurship in Applied Music Lessons: A Multiple-Case Qualitative Study).” Society of Arts Entrepreneurship Education. (Notified October 2, 2019).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Engineered Live Recording (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2019).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Engineered Studio Recording (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2019)

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Engineered Live Recording (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2019).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Engineered Studio Recording (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2019).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Small Jazz Group (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2019).

Big Easy Entertainment® Award Winner for Best World Music Album for Alexey Martí’s album, “Mundo.” Served as Producer, Recording Engineer, Flutist and Saxophonist. Gambit New Orleans Inc. (April 13, 2019).

2018

EMMY® Award Winner for Best Cultural Documentary for PBS’s “Art Vessel.” Served as Music Producer, Recording Engineer, and Saxophonist. National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. (December 18, 2018).

EMMY® Award Nomination for Best Cultural Documentary for PBS’s “Art Vessel.” Served as Music Producer, Recording Engineer, and Saxophonist. National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. (August 14, 2018).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist (High school level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2018).

Global Music® Award Winner for 2018 Album of the Year (Gold Medal) for Viviana Guzman’s album, “Song of the Whale.” I served as Producer, Recording Engineer, and Keyboardist. The Global Music® Awards. (January 28, 2018).

Global Music® Award of Excellence for Meditative Music Album (Gold Medal) for Viviana Guzman’s album, “Song of the Whale.” I served as Producer, Recording Engineer, and Keyboardist. The Global Music® Awards. (January 28, 2018).

2017

Big Easy Entertainment® Award Winner for Best World Music Album for Alexey Martí’s album, “Travesia.” I served as Producer, Recording Engineer, & Flutist. (October 15, 2017).

Parents' Choice® Award Winner for Children’s Album (Gold Medal) for Mister G’s album, “Mundo Verde.” Served as Recording Engineer and Flutist. Parents Choice Foundation. (September 27, 2017).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist (Undergraduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2017).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Engineered Live Recording (Undergraduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2017).

Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education Outstanding Dissertation® Award Nomination. The Council for Research in Music Education. (May 4, 2017).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Jazz Soloist (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2017).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Studio Engineered Recording (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2017).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Outstanding Latin Group (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2017).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Outstanding Blues/Pop/Rock Group (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2017).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Outstanding Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2017).

2016

Latin GRAMMY® Award Nomination for Best Instrumental Album for Bruno Miranda’s album, “MOSAICO” Served as Producer, Mastering Engineer, Arranger, Flutist, Bassist, Saxophonist, Composer, and Recording Engineer. Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. (September 28, 2016).

UK Music Industry® Association Award Winner for Best Instrumental Product (Category: Woodwind & Brasswind). Served as Global Ambassador and Strategic Communication Director for Worldwind Music Ltd. (August 16, 2016).

Honorary Inductee into the National Honor Music Society, Pi Kappa Lambda for outstanding contribution in leadership, musicianship, and collaboration (April 24, 2016).

Miami Independent Film Festival® Award Winner for Best Shorts & Narrative Documentary for “Art Vessel.” Served as Music Producer, Recording Engineer, and Saxophonist. (2016).

15 Minutes of Fame Film Festival Official Selection for Best Shorts & Narrative Documentary for “Art Vessel.” Served as Music Producer, Recording Engineer, and Saxophonist. (2016).

2015

Chelsea Film Festival® Winner for Best Featured Film for “The Sunbelt Express.” Served as Co-Composer and Music Producer. Chelsea Film Festival. (October 14, 2015).

Chelsea Film Festival® Winner for Best Dramatic Film for “The Sunbelt Express.” Served as Co-Composer and Music Producer. Chelsea Film Festival. (October 14, 2015).

Hillsborough County's Exemplary Hispanic Educator®Award Winner. Bestowed by the Superintendent. Sponsored by the Ana G. Mendez University System. (September 26, 2015).

Latin GRAMMY® Award Nomination for Best Latin Jazz/Jazz Album for José Valentino’s album, “I Make You Want To Move.” Served as Artist, Producer, Mastering Engineer, Arranger, Flutist, Bassist, Saxophonist, Composer, and Recording Engineer. Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. (September 23, 2015).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Jazz Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2015).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Jazz Group (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2015).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2015).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Group (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2015).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Studio Engineering (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2015).

2014

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Jazz Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2014).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Jazz Group (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2014).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2014).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Group (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2014).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Studio Engineered Recording (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2014).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Live Engineered Recording (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2014).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Latin Group (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2014).

Bahamas International Film Festival New Vision® Award Winner for “The Sunbelt Express.” Served as Co-Composer and Music Producer. Bahamas International Film Festival (May 3, 2014).

Bahamas International Film Festival Main Feature Film® Award Winner for “The Sunbelt Express.” Served as Co-Composer and Music Producer. Bahamas International Film Festival (May 3, 2014).

Champs Elysees Film Festival Winner for Best American Feature Film® Award Winner for “The Sunbelt Express.” Served as Co-Composer and Music Producer. Chelsea Film Festival. (June 22, 2014).

Heartland International Film Festival® Official Selection for “The Sunbelt Express.” Served as Co-Composer and Music Producer (October 11, 2014).

Napa Valley Film Festival® Official Selection for “The Sunbelt Express.” Served as Co-Composer and Music Producer (September 12, 2014).

New Orleans Film Festival® Official Selection for “The Sunbelt Express.” Served as Co-Composer and Music Producer (September 8, 2014).

The Colombian Festival Festival® Official Selection for “The Sunbelt Express.” Served as Co-Composer and Music Producer (September 3, 014).

Tall Grass International Film Festival® Official Selection for “The Sunbelt Express.” Served as Co-Composer and Music Producer. (September 1, 2014).

American Festival Festival® Official Selection for “The Sunbelt Express.” Served as Co-Composer and Music Producer. (August 17, 2014).

New Hampshire Film Festival® Official Selection for “The Sunbelt Express.” Served as Co-Composer and Music Producer (August 12, 2014).

2013

UK Music Industry Association® Award Winner for Best Instrumental Product (Category: Woodwind & Brasswind). Served as Global Ambassador and Strategic Communication Director for Worldwind Music Ltd. (July 20, 2013).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Group (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2013).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Latin Group with Rafael Piccolotto de Lima Ensemble (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2013).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Latin Group with Frost Salsa Ensemble (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2013).

2012

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Studio Engineering (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2012).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist (bass & piano) (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2012).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock (flute & saxophone) (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2012).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Group (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2012).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Latin Group (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2012).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Jazz Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2012).

2011

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2011).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Group (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2011).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Classical Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2011).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Live Engineered Recording (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2011).

2010

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Jazz Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2010).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2010).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Studio Engineered Recording (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2010).

2009

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Classical Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2009).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2009).

Gasparilla International Film Festival® Award Winner for Best Documentary for “Improv Island” Served as Film Composer and Music Producer. Gasparilla International Film Festival. (March 25, 2009)

2005 - 2007

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Outstanding Performance as a Jazz Soloist (Undergraduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 1, 2007).

DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Outstanding Performance as a Jazz Soloist (Undergraduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2006).

YAMAHA Young Performing Artist® Award Winner for the Flutist Award. Judge: Jim Walker. YAMAHA® Corporation. (June 27, 2006).

Gasparilla International Film Festival® Award Winner for Best Short for “Breaking Point” Served as Film Composer and Music Producer. Gasparilla International Film Festival. (March 26, 2006).

Recipient of the Arts for Life Scholarship. Foundations for Excellence in Education. (Jan 15, 2006).

Merit Award from the National YoungArts® Foundation, Miami, FL (January 12, 2005).