Flute Lessons

Flute Instructor Bios

Jose Valentino - Tampa Palms

Before reaching the age required to obtain a Florida driver's permit, Jose Valentino Ruiz, aka-Joe Ruiz, was playing flute with passion and dexterity. Jose Valentino was born in Silver Spring, Maryland, and lived with his family in Laurel, Maryland during the first eight years of his life prior to moving to Tampa, Florida. Frequent trips with his family to Puerto Rico infused fervor in his soul for his Hispanic heritage and excitement for Latin rhythms. Jose Valentino values his heritage and refers to Puerto Rico as a place where music is like water, it's a necessity. As a toddler, while visiting his grandparents, he was very impressed by some of the Island distinctive sounds, particularly: "el gallo" (roster) and "el coqui" (singing frog). No question that his young ear was detecting nature’s musical notes.

He began formal flute studies at age 8 with Dr. Kim McCormick, University of South Florida flute professor. Classical flute instruction received under her guidance established the grounds for his musical training and continues to be essential for his musical development.

By the summer of 2000 Jose began to explore Latin flute and improvisation in the music room his Dad had prepared in the garage. He spent many hours listening to some of the Latin flute masters, like Nestor Torres and David Valentine. Dad was a big influence in developing the ear and taste for Latin jazz. He would often help him by playing the bass while Jose attempted to improvise. He began to understand what the famous jazz musician Miles Davis meant: "Don’t play what’s there, play what's not there."

José enjoys jazz, classical, R&B, and contemporary music. As he clearly explains: "It was Mr. Robert Griffin who planted the seed of jazz in me". Mr. Griffin, jazz band director at Blake High School, not only instilled the ardor for jazz in Jose, he also directed him into doubling in the tenor saxophone. Furthermore, he introduced him to the music of the great jazz flute maestro, Mr. Hubert Laws. While attending a flute workshop at the University of Central Florida, Jose Valentino met Hubert Laws and still treasures his flute case with Mr. Laws' autograph and personal message. Mr. Laws described Jose's playing as one of passion and fire.



Jose Valentino graduated from Freedom High School in Tampa. His involvement in marching, concert, and jazz bands under the direction of Mrs. Christina Frye was a very rewarding experience. He has also studied jazz and saxophone with Valerie Gillespie (www.valeriegillespie.com) and plans to attend the University of South Florida in the fall.
In his first CD Jose merges his stunning technical skill with innate improvisational gifts. The array of flute-derived percussion effects in tandem with the melodic tone displays his Latin heritage along with his classical flute training. Trumpet virtuoso Arturo Sandoval (www.arturosandoval.com), master saxophonist Michael Brecker (www.michaelbrecker.com), and phenomenal bassist Brian Bromberg (www.brianbromberg.net) have been major influences in Jose Valentino's musical development. He also acknowledges the legacy and influence of jazz and contemporary flute maestros such as Hubert Laws (www.hubertlaws.com), Nestor Torres (www.nestortorres.com), Dave Valentin, Jim Walker, James Galloway, and others. These and other pioneers have set the path for the novel 21st century generation of jazz flutists, among which Jose Valentino excels.

Al Foreman - Hillsborough Ave

Al's a busy man, he teaches piano, clarinet, saxophone, and flute. Al graduated from Berklee College of Music class of '74 with a major of saxophone and minor in flute and clarinet. He has taught for over 12 years thoroughout the Tampa Bay area. He performs regularly for clients such as Busch Gardens and the Europa cruise line. Al is a midi wiz too.

Call to schedule your lessons -- 813-874-Note (6683).