About Dr. Soto
Hello!
Welcome to my page, and thank you for your interest in exploring music and technology at Holy Angels School.
My Educational and Professional Background
Jose Soto is a pianist and educator who has taught and performed across the United States and Mexico. At 13, Jose received a full scholarship to attend the Idyllwild Arts Academy as a piano major. In 2003, he was awarded another full scholarship to attend the University of Southern California (USC), majoring in piano performance. After earning his Bachelor of Music degree in 2007, Jose was appointed as an Assistant Lecturer at USC, where he taught until 2012. Following his Master of Music degree in 2009, Jose continued his studies at USC, pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts under the tutelage of Professor Kevin Fitz-Gerald, with minors in conducting and jazz.
In and around Los Angeles, Jose has performed at notable venues such as the Broad Stage in Santa Monica, the University of Southern California, the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, the RedCat Theater, the Norton Simon Museum, Los Angeles City Hall, and the Getty House, among others. He has collaborated with acclaimed musicians such as Moni Simeonov, Graham Dechter, Kamau Kenata, and Ralph Jones. His teachers have included Marshall Hawkins, Douglas Ashcraft, Ralph Jones, Kenneth Cox, David Arnay, Stewart Gordon, Larry Livingston, and Kevin Fitz-Gerald. Jose is currently the music and technology teacher at Holy Angels School in Arcadia, the music director at Holy Angels Parish, and he served as the chair of music for the California State Summer School for the Arts from 2013 to 2022. He currently resides in Azusa, CA, with his wonderful wife, Lydia, and their five children.
My Educational Philosophy
My educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that music and technology are powerful tools for personal growth and creative expression. I strive to create a learning environment that fosters curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking through our Catholic faith. By integrating music with technology, I aim to provide students with a well-rounded education that not only enhances their technical skills but also encourages them to explore their artistic potential.
I believe in a student-centered approach, where each learner’s unique interests and strengths are recognized and nurtured. My goal is to inspire students to find their own voice and develop a lifelong appreciation for music and technology. Through hands-on experiences and innovative teaching methods, I seek to make the learning process both engaging and meaningful, preparing students for success in their future endeavors.
