Founder Jose “Pepe” Valdez is a Peruvian-American guitarist, composer, and educator based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. A versatile musician, Valdez has many strengths including jazz, rock, pop, and traditional Latin American folk music. He maintains an active schedule, working as a private instructor and freelance musician and composer.

Valdez’s musical journey began with private studies in Lima, Peru, before he pursued his education abroad. He spent two years in São Paulo, Brazil, studying Brazilian Music and Jazz at the Conservatório Souza Lima. Later he moved to Denton, Texas, where he earned both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Jazz Guitar Performance at the University of North Texas (UNT). While at UNT, he earned three DownBeat Student Music Awards, including one for leading his own quintet.

Valdez is the musical director and co-leader of El Chanclazo, a musical collective specializing in various Latin American genres. He also serves as the Musical Director and Lead Guitarist at Parkway Hills Baptist Church. In addition to these roles, Valdez leads his own ensemble, showcasing his original instrumental compositions.

With over 15 years of teaching experience, Valdez began by sharing his knowledge with friends and eager learners. Over time, he built a thriving private teaching practice, running his own studio and collaborating with other studios to offer personalized instruction to students of all ages and skill levels. His teaching career spans private and public school settings, where he has taught music at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.