Education
- Bachelor’s of Music in Jazz Studies, Guitar Performance, University of North Texas
Courses
- Applied Guitar Lessons
- Beginning Class Guitar
- Guitar Ensemble
Biography
Jason Valdez is an adjunct professor of guitar and director of the guitar ensemble at St. Mary’s University. Valdez’s musical background began with learning Flute in middle school at the age of 10, then picking up guitar at the age of 12. While in high school, Valdez started playing in Tejano Bands to gain gigging experience. After graduation he enrolled at Palo Alto College under the tutelage of Associate Prof. Armin Marmalejo and guitar instructors Peter Carey and Joe Gonzales, then started playing freelance jazz gigs around the San Antonio area. He was also selected for the jazz guitar chair in the International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) CC “All Stars Jazz Band” in 2000 (New Orleans) and 2001(New York).
Valdez earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the University of North Texas studying with Guitar Professor Fred Hamilton, and adjunct faculty Richard McClure and Noel Johnston. In the Fall of 2010, Valdez was part of the Zebras Fusion Group at UNT, which recorded the album The Flamenco Jazz Project, and won 4 DownBeat Awards for Jazz Group, Vocal Jazz Group, Latin Group, and Original Composition. In the summers Valdez performed in the showband for Princess Cruises backing up artists and comedic acts.
Valdez continues to be in demand as a performer and recording artist in South Texas, having performed with notable artists and groups such as Kurt Covington, Tom Braxton, Marcy Grace Band, Johnny P and The Wise Guys, Jim Waller, Audra Menconi, Dr. Brent Watkins, Curtis Calderon, the United States Air Force Big Band, King William Jazz Collective, San Antonio Jazz Orchestra, PowerHouse Big Band, Primetime Jazz Orchestra and the San Antonio Symphony Pops.
Valdez was included on Jim Waller’s album “Bucket List,” Audra Menconi’s album “Make It Good” and Marcy Grace’s album “No Limits.”