Otmaro Ruiz, keyboards

Born: June 27, 1964 in Caracas, Venezuela

Began musical studies: at age 8, with courses in music theory, as well as classical guitar and pop/classical organ

Has toured or recorded: with nearly all major Venezuelan pop artists, as well as artists such as John McLaughlin, Arturo Sandoval, Tito Puente, Steve Winwood, Frank Gambale, Dianne Reeves, and others

Education: After pursuing, then abandoning a degree in Biological Sciences from Venezuela’s, Simon Bolivar University, Mr. Ruiz received a Master of Fine Arts degree in Jazz Performance from the California Institute of the Arts.

Awards and honours: In 2000, Mr. Ruiz contributed to Grammy™ nominated recordings by Dianne Reeves and Alex Acuña.

Currently: performs with his own jazz trio, teaches privately, leads jazz piano seminars around the globe, and performs and records with various jazz, Latin, and pop artists

Web site: www.otmaroruiz.com