Awards

Global Genius® Music Competition Grand Prix® Award (overall best musician of the competition). Served as Flutist, Saxophonist, Bassist, & Composer. (January 22, 2024)
Global Genius® Music Competition Season Top 1® Award. Served as Flutist, Saxophonist, Bassist, & Composer. (January 22, 2024)
Global Genius® Music Tecnical Mastery Musical Genius® Award. Served as Flutist, Saxophonist, Bassist, and Percussionist for “José Valentino Trio: Live at Paris Recording Studio.” (January 22, 2024)
Global Genius® Music Competition Concerto® Platinum Award. 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. 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 for “Embarkation: The Resiliency of Humanity Amid Covid-19” (January 22, 2024)
Global Genius® Music Competition Chamber Music® Platinum Award. Served as Flutist, Saxophonist, Bassist, and Percussionist for “José Valentino Trio: Live at Paris Recording Studio.” (January 22, 2024)
Global Genius® Music Competition Outstanding Teacher® Award. 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)
Honorable League of Global Exceptional Teachers® Award. Advisor to Platinum® Award Winning Competitor, Derris Lee. (January 22, 2024)
Beethovinci International® Music Competition Grand Prize® Award (overall best performer of the competition). Served as Flutist, Saxophonist, and Bassist. (January 15, 2024)
Beethovinci International® Music Competition Platinum Prize® Award 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 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)
Global Music® Award Outstanding Achievement Award 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 –– Teacher of Platinum Prize Winner. Global Genius® Music Competition. (October 23, 2023)
International DAVEY® Award 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 of Excellence for Instrumentalist (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 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 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 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 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 for Concept for “Soulful Sages” by Fung Flow. Served as Artist, Keyboardist, Flutist, Bassist, Percussionist, Producer, Composer, & Engineer. (September 28, 2023)
Global Music® Award 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 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. (September 19, 2023)
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® 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 for Latin Jazz Album for “Eternal Power” by José Valentino & Robert Acevedo Jr. Served as Artist, Flutist, Saxophonist, Bassist, Pianist, Keyboardist, Vocalist, Composer, Arranger, Producer, Mastering Engineer, & Record Label Executive. Global Music Awards. (July 10, 2023)
Global Music® Outstanding Achievement Award 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 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 for Outstanding Achievement 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 for Consumer Marketing & Communication: Film & Video (Use fo Music) for “Drumming River.” Served as Producer, Arranger, Engineer, and Executive Producer. Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts. (May 2023)
Global Music® Outstanding Achievement Award for Christmas Music for “I Surrender All–O Come All Ye Faithful–SilentNight” by Thaddaeus Bourne, Derris Lee, & José Valentino. Served as Flutist, Producer, Engineer, Album Cover Artist, & Record Label Executive. Global Music Awards. (March 2023)

Audio Visual Arts Digital® Platinum Award for “Oh Korea!” for Short-Form Music Video for University of Florida Concert Choir. Served as Producer, Mixing Engineer, and Mastering Engineer. Association for Marketing & Communication Professionals. (February 2023)
Audio Visual Arts Digital® Gold Award for “2022 Sounds of the Season” for Long-Form Video. Served as Flutist, Saxophonist, & Arranger. Association for Marketing & Communication Professionals. (February 2023)
International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences’ ANTHEM® Award 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. (February 2023)
Inc. Magazine’s Best in Business® Award for Advertising (Hayden5). Serve as Resident Media Composer (December 2022)
Global Music® Award for Funk Fusion Album for “Rompiendo Fronteras (Breaking Boundaries)” by José Valentino, Shawn Perkinson, & Alex Acuña. Served as Co-Artist, Arranger, Musician, Producer, Recording Engineer, & Marketing Director. Global Music Awards. (December 2022)
Global Music® Award 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 2022)
Global Music® Award for Alternative Album for “Moons for Eyes” by Robert “Bobby” Price. Served as Producer, Musician, & Mastering Engineer. Global Music Awards. (December 2022)
Global Music® Award for Multi-Genre Album for “Unveiled Wonder” by UF & NCSU Collaborative Music Entrepreneurship Ensemble. Served as Producer, Musician, Recording Engineer, & Mastering Engineer. Global Music Awards. (December 2022)
Global Music® Award for Contemporary Classical Music Album for “Serpent Mound” by Chris Shelton. Served as Producer & Mastering Engineer. Global Music Awards. (December 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 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 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 works as Resident Media Composer for Hayden5 (November 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 2022)
Dove® Award Winner for Spanish Language Album of the Year for Marcos Witt’s album, “Viviré.” I served as Recording Engineer, Featured Saxophone Soloist, and Background Vocalist. National Academy of Christian Arts and Sciences. (August 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 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 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, Multi-instrumentalist (i.e., bass, flute, MIDI Keyboard, saxophone). (September 2022)
Global Genius Music Competition® Award - Outstanding Teaching Award (August 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 Nomination for Spanish Language Album of the Year for Marcos Witt’s album, “Viviré.” I served as Recording Engineer, Featured Saxophone Soloist, and Background Vocalist. National Academy of Christian Arts and Sciences. (August 2022)
Global Music® Award Winner for Vocal Jazz Album (Silver Medal) for Donna Scott’s album, “A Carpenter from Chicago”. I 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 2022)
Arpa® Award Winning Album for Best Male Vocal Album for Marcos Witt’s album, “Viviré.” I served as Recording Engineer, Featured Saxophone Soloist, and Background Vocalist. National Academy of Christian Arts and Sciences. (May 2022)
Arpa® Award Nomination for Album of the Year for Marcos Witt’s album, “Viviré.” I served as Recording Engineer, Featured Saxophone Soloist, and Background Vocalist. National Academy of Christian Arts and Sciences. (May 2022)
Arpa® Award Nomination for Best Male Vocal Album of the Year for Marcos Witt’s album, “Viviré.” I served as Recording Engineer, Featured Saxophone Soloist, and Background Vocalist. National Academy of Christian Arts and Sciences. (May 2022)
Top 10 Most Innovate Companies in the World (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 2022)
Invited to be an Editorial Board Member for the flagship journal, “Artivate: A Journal of Entrepreneurship in the Arts.” (March 2022)
DownBeat® Student Music Award for Undergraduate College Outstanding Performances (category: Jazz Soloist) — Faculty Mentor. DownBeat® Magazine (Since 1934, the most prestigious international publication in Jazz, Blues, and Beyond). (March 2022)
GFA International Commissioned Composer. Guitar Foundation of America International Conference. Awarded: $2500 (January 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), Recording Engineer. The Global Music® Awards. (January 2022)
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 2021)
University of Florida Foundation Preeminence Term Professorship (Nomination). One faculty member for each college within the University of Florida. (September 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.” I served as Lead Music Producer, Supervisor of Audio & Music Production, & Mastering Engineer. Association for Marketing and Communication Professional. (January 2021)
USF Outstanding Young Alumni® Award. Recognized for excellence and established leadership in creative arts entrepreneurship, global outreach, and education. 6 out 100,000+ alumni were selected. University of South Florida. (January 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 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 2021)
Hillsborough County Commendation (Tampa Bay) recipient for Excellence in Cultural Entrepreneurship Award. Hillsborough County Commissioners. (February 2021)
Latin GRAMMY® Award Winner for Best Classical Contemporary Composition. Latin Academic of Recording Arts and Sciences. (November 2020)
Latin GRAMMY® Award Nomination for Best Classical Contemporary Composition (Top #5 out of all submissions) - the preeminent, international, peer-reviewed competition in the music industry. (September 2020)
DownBeat® Student Music Awards for Engineered Live Recording (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 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.
Pandora Radio’s Top 10 Christmas Albums for the album, “Christmas with José Valentino.” 71.4 million active users.
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 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 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 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 2019)
Gary D. Beckman Research Impact Award Nomination (2nd Place) for “An Insight on the Teaching Entrepreneurship in Applied Music Lessons: A Multiple-Case Qualitative Study).” Society of Arts Entrepreneurship Education. (September 2019)
DownBeat® Student Music Award for Engineered Live Recording (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2019)
DownBeat® Student Music Award for Engineered Studio Recording (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2019)
DownBeat® Student Music Award for Engineered Live Recording (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2019)
DownBeat® Student Music Award for Engineered Studio Recording (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2019)
DownBeat® Student Music Award for Small Jazz Group (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 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 2019)
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. (August 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 2018)
DownBeat® Student Music Award for Blues/Pop/Rock Solost (High school level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 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 2018) 28.
Global Music® Award Winner 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 2018)
Big Easy Entertainment Award Winner for Best World Music Album for Alexey Martí’s album, “Travesia.” I served as Producer, Recording Engineer, & Flutist. (October 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 2017)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist (Undergraduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2017)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Engineered Live Recording (Undergraduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2017)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Engineered Live Recording (Undergraduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2017)
Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education Outstanding Dissertation Award Nomination. The Council for Research in Music Education. (2017)
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. (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 2016)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Jazz Soloist (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2017)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Studio Engineered Recording (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2017)
DownBeat® Student Music Award for Outstanding Latin Group (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2017)
DownBeat® Student Music Award for Outstanding Latin Group (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2017)
DownBeat® Student Music Award for Outstanding Latin Group (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2017)
DownBeat® Student Music Award for Outstanding Blues/Pop/Rock Group (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2017)
DownBeat® Student Music Award for Outstanding Blues/Pop/Rock Group (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2017)
DownBeat® Student Music Award for Outstanding Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist (Graduate level). Faculty Advisor. DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2017)
Honorary Inductee into the National Honor Music Society, Pi Kappa Lambda for outstanding contribution in leadership, musicianship, and collaboration (April 2016)
Miami Independent Film Festival 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)
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. (2015)
Hillsborough County's Exemplary Hispanic Educator. Bestowed by the Superintendent. Sponsored by the Ana G. Mendez University System. (September 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 2015)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Jazz Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2015)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Jazz Group (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2015)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2015)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Group (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2015)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Studio Engineering (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2015)
Chelsea Film Festival Winner for Best Featured Film for “The Sunbelt Express.” Served as Co-Composer and Music Producer. Chelsea Film Festival. (2015)
Chelsea Film Festival Winner for Best Dramatic Film for “The Sunbelt Express.” Served as Co-Composer and Music Producer. Chelsea Film Festival. (2015)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Jazz Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2014)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Jazz Group (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2014)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2014)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Group (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2014)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Studio Engineered Recording (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2014)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Live Engineered Recording (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2014)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Latin Group (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2014)
Bahamas International Film Festival New Vision Award Winner for “The Sunbelt Express.” Served as Co- Composer and Music Producer. Bahamas International Film Festival (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 (2014)
Champs Elysees Film Festival Winner for Best American Feature Film for for “The Sunbelt Express.” Served as Co-Composer and Music Producer. Chelsea Film Festival. (2014)
Heartland International Film Festival Official Selection for “The Sunbelt Express.” Served as Co-Composer and Music Producer. Bahamas International Film Festival (2014)
The Colombian Festival Festival Official Selection for “The Sunbelt Express.” Served as Co-Composer and Music Producer. Bahamas International Film Festival (2014)
Tall Grass International Film Festival Official Selection for “The Sunbelt Express.” Served as Co-Composer and Music Producer. Bahamas International Film Festival (2014)
American Festival Festival Official Selection for “The Sunbelt Express.” Served as Co-Composer and Music Producer. Bahamas International Film Festival (2014)
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. (2014)
Napa Valley Film Festival Official Selection for “The Sunbelt Express.” Served as Co-Composer and Music Producer. Bahamas International Film Festival (2014)
New Orleans Film Festival Official Selection for “The Sunbelt Express.” Served as Co-Composer and Music Producer. Bahamas International Film Festival (2014)
New Hampshire Film Festival Official Selection for “The Sunbelt Express.” Served as Co-Composer and Music Producer. Bahamas International Film Festival (2014)
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. (2013)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Group (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2013)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Latin Group with Rafael Piccolotto de Lima Ensemble (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2013)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Latin Group with Frost Salsa Ensemble (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 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. (2012)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Studio Engineering (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2012)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist (bass & piano) (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2012)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock (flute & saxophone) (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2012)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Group (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2012)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Group (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2012)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Latin Group (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2012)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Jazz Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2012)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2011)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2011)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Group (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2011)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Classical Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2011)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Live Engineered Recording (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2011)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Jazz Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2010)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2010)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Studio Engineered Recording (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2010)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Classical Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2009)
DownBeat® Student Music Award Winner for Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2009)
Gasparilla International Film Festival Winner for Best Documentary for “Improv Island” Served as Film Composer and Music Producer. Gasparilla International Film Festival. (2009)
DownBeat® Student Music Award for Outstanding Performance as a Jazz Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2007)
DownBeat® Student Music Award for Outstanding Performance as a Jazz Soloist (Graduate level). DownBeat® Magazine. (June 2006)
YAMAHA® Young Performing Arts Winner for the Flutist Award. Judge: Jim Walker. YAMAHA® Corporation. (2006)
Gasparilla International Film Festival Winner for Best Short for “Breaking Point” Served as Film Composer and Music Producer. Gasparilla International Film Festival. (2006)
Recipient of the Arts for Life Scholarship. Foundations for Excellence in Education. (2006)
Merit Award from the National YoungArts® Foundation, Miami, FL (2005)

The Awards

Awards

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

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

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

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

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

Global Genius® Music Competition Outstanding Teacher® Award. 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)

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

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

Beethovinci International® Music Competition Platinum Prize® Award 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 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)

Global Music® Award Outstanding Achievement Award 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)

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 –– Teacher of Platinum Prize Winner. Global Genius® Music Competition. (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 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 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 for Concept for “Soulful Sages” by Fung Flow. Served as Artist, Keyboardist, Flutist, Bassist, Percussionist, Producer, Composer, & Engineer. (September 28, 2023)

Global Music® Award 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 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. (September 19, 2023)

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

Audio Visual Arts Digital® Platinum Award for “Oh Korea!” for Short-Form Music Video for University of Florida Concert Choir. Served as Producer, Mixing Engineer, and Mastering Engineer. Association for Marketing & Communication Professionals. (February 2023)

Audio Visual Arts Digital® Gold Award for “2022 Sounds of the Season” for Long-Form Video. Served as Flutist, Saxophonist, & Arranger. Association for Marketing & Communication Professionals. (February 2023)

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

Global Music® Award for Funk Fusion Album for “Rompiendo Fronteras (Breaking Boundaries)” by José Valentino, Shawn Perkinson, & Alex Acuña. Served as Co-Artist, Arranger, Musician, Producer, Recording Engineer, & Marketing Director. Global Music Awards. (December 2022)

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

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

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

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

Global Genius Music Competition® Award - Outstanding Teaching Award (August 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 Nomination for Spanish Language Album of the Year for Marcos Witt’s album, “Viviré.” I served as Recording Engineer, Featured Saxophone Soloist, and Background Vocalist. National Academy of Christian Arts and Sciences. (August 2022)

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

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

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

Top 10 Most Innovate Companies in the World (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 2022)

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

DownBeat® Student Music Award for Undergraduate College Outstanding Performances (category: Jazz Soloist) — Faculty Mentor. DownBeat® Magazine (Since 1934, the most prestigious international publication in Jazz, Blues, and Beyond). (March 2022)

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

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 2021)

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

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

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

Latin GRAMMY® Award Winner for Best Classical Contemporary Composition. Latin Academic of Recording Arts and Sciences. (November 2020)

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

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

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

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 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 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 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 2019)

Gary D. Beckman Research Impact Award Nomination (2nd Place) for “An Insight on the Teaching Entrepreneurship in Applied Music Lessons: A Multiple-Case Qualitative Study).” Society of Arts Entrepreneurship Education. (September 2019)

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

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

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

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

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