Dominic Valadez (b. 1996)

Dominic Valadez is a Hispanic-American composer, pedagogue, and member of the LGBTQ+ community. He was born in San Antonio, Texas. Dominic holds a Bachelor’s of Music Composition from the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he worked with the esteemed James Syler and Ethan Wickman, and a Master’s of Arts in Music Theory from The University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, earned under the instruction of Alyssa Barna. Dominic's compositions feature lushly decadent extended tertian harmonies and derive influences from composers like Maurice Ravel and Takashi Yoshimatsu. Many of his pieces explore journeys of triumph over feelings of melancholy, anxiety, and depression, and employ neoclassical techniques such as sonata form in their construction. Dominic’s accolades include multiple composition competition awards, performances at the Chicago Flute Festival and National Flute Association, guest of honor at the UTSA Golden Gala, and featured artist on both studio albums and public recitals.