Esteban Ruiz is a testament to the value of music in our schools in Berks County. Born to Maria Velazquez and Jose Ruiz, his family lived in Exeter Township, where Esteban attended the Exeter district schools. “I started playing violin in third grade through the school music program at Owatin Creek Elementary School. It was later on, and during Covid, that I started playing electric bass. Being couped up at home, I saw You Tube videos of Victor Wooten and I said to myself ‘I need to do that!’ I begged my mom and she bought me a bass. I started studying with Bennie Simms, taking lessons mainly on electric bass, and later started studying with Skip Moyer, where I continued studying with the upright bass.”
Esteban’s inspiration for playing music came from many people. “My prime inspirations were Benny and Skip, and all of my music teachers in elementary and high school in the Exeter School District. I played in the chamber orchestra, and the quartet, playing violin. Playing bass I was in the jazz band and pit orchestra, where I played both violin and bass for school musicals. I am a product of that system which supported a strong music program throughout my years there.”
Esteban was able to break into the local music scene while still in high school with the support of local musicians and collaborative connections. “I have also been inspired by the music scene in Berks where lots of people and musicians influenced me. I was part of ‘So What’, a group of local students who took first place in the Chuck Loeb Jazz Ensemble Scholarship competition for three consecutive years (2023, 2024, 2025), presented and awarded during the Berks Jazz Fest. This distinction allowed us to get involved with some of the jazz fest clinicians, and helped us to be able to inspire the next generation of musicians. The group included myself on bass, Noah Gibney on keys and vocals, and Dexter Sales on drums. I also played a lot with local musician, Dave Kline, playing violin, mandolin, and bass with his bands.”
As graduation from high school loomed ahead, Esteban made decisions on the career choice for his future. “I’ve been very inspired by some of the jazz bassists; there are a lot of masters of the jazz bass; Ron Carter, Paul Chambers, Ray Brown. They have had a real influence.”
His decision to become a professional musician guided him forward. “I received several scholarships through my high school and Reading Musical Foundation toward my education. I also received a full tuition scholarship to The New School in New York City where I am currently finishing my freshman year, studying instrumental music. I will graduate in 2029.”
The music scene in New York City provides ample and ongoing opportunities for musicians. “While I am at school, I am practicing a lot. I wanted to go to college in the city, and it is the best city to be for musicians. There is such a diverse mix of cultures, and you can go out and play all of the time. You can do everything you need to do and a lot of it. There are great opportunities to network.
“One of the first exciting opportunities through the New School was to participate in the Bern Jazz Festival in Switzerland. I was part of the quartet that played at the festival. I auditioned and was selected for a week playing in another country. I really enjoyed the experience.”
As summer approaches, Esteban has several irons in the fire while he continues to forge his way in the music world. “I am not really part of any big project right now in NYC. I am trying to meet as many people as possible there. Back here I have some things going on; The Esteban Ruiz Trio will be playing in July at the State Hill Craft Cocktail in Wyomissing. I am playing a couple of shows with the Mosaic Collective Group of musicians from PA, Chris’s Jazz Café in Philadelphia, and the Rochester Jazz Festival.”
Follow Esteban on Instagram for more details on his upcoming schedule.
The future looks bright for this young and very talented musician. His future goals? “I want to make a living as a jazz musician, settle in the city, playing, recording, teaching, touring, and performing.”
