Victor Soto derives joy from two areas of his life – his work as a concert pianist and through his teachings as an instructor at Mountain View College.
His commitment to both has resulted in some incredible trips abroad.
Soto counts his performances at the Hunan Music Festival in Chengdu, China in 2015 and the Hochschule für Musik concert in Dresden, Germany in 2019 as his most meaningful performances. He also cites being part of the jury of a national piano competition in Panama City, Panama in 2019 as an experience he treasures. He has also trained several times outside of Texas.
"As a piano technician, my proudest accomplishment was being selected to be part of two prestigious trainings at 'Yamaha USA' in Buena Park, California in 2019, and at the Bechstein factory in Seifhennersdorf, Germany in 2019," he said. "The training at the Bechstein factory was a very special honor, as I was the first technician from Texas ever to be selected to participate in this training."
Born in Panama City, Panama, Soto began his music and keyboard training at the age of 10 with the Panamanian organist Roque de las Rosas. Later, he enrolled at the Institute of Music in Panama City where he studied with Prof. Edwin Abdiel Lombana. He began his college career in the United States and finished with a piano performance degree from Southwest Minnesota State University, a Master’s degree from Minnesota State University and a Master's degree in instructional learning from Capella University. He received his Doctorate of philosophy in education and instructional design for online learning.
At Mountain View, his students benefit from an instructor that is as committed to them as he is to the piano. In 2010, Mountain View awarded Soto the Learning Technology Innovation of the Year award as well as the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence in Teaching Award. He currently teaches applied piano instruction, instrumental music, music theory and music technology.
"My goal is, and has always been, empowering my students and transforming their communities," he said. "Being able to share my knowledge and experience with my students, colleagues and the entire campus is what I enjoy most."
Soto loves woodworking, and fixing and repairing pianos. He said when he retires, he wants to dive into what he already does on weekends – repair, tune and rebuild pianos. It fits with one of his favorite hobbies - wood and metal working, which he does with his wood lathe, metal lathe and milling products.
"One hundred percent," he said. "I will absolutely go into piano rebuilding and refinishing."
