VJM Music

Introduction: He was born and raised in the beautiful Miami, FL. Victor Martinez's range of musical influences span the entire spectrum of genres. His earliest influences were inspired by his Cuban upbringing. He discovered artist such as Bene More, Willy Chirino, Celia Cruz, and Los Munequitos de Matanzas. He also had a self discovered passion for the hip hop artist of the 90's such as Wu-Tang, D'Angelo, Tribe Called Quest, and Busta Rhymes. After his father bought him his first guitar Victors musical direction changed forever. He began to explore bands such as Metallica and other Local hardcore groups such as No Such Road. His friends later introduced him to the iconic artist of the blues such as Freddie King, Jimi Hendrix, and Duane Allman. Victor later entered the Jazz Program at Miami Dade Wolfson where he studied under nationally renowned pedagouge Mike Di Liddo. This was his first exposure to the music that changed his life forever. Victor Martinez also had the opportunity to attend classes and lessons by international greats such as Johnathon Kreisberg, Mike Stern, Steve Davis, Ira Sullivan, and Waltz Weiskopf as well as local players like Sandy Poltarack, Fernando Ulibarri, Aaron Lebos, and Tom Lippincott. After completing his A.A. at MDC as the "Honors Graduate" of the music department, Victor Martinez was accepted into the prestigious Jazz Guitar department at the University of North Florida where he studied for three years under the wing of Jazz Guitar virtuoso Barry Greene. During this time Victor also had the opportunity to take classes from greats such as Terence Blanchard, John Pizzarelli, and Yotam Silberstein. Victor also studied composition with Classical/Jazz Pianist and Contemporary Composer Dr. Gary Smart. Victor is currently gigging through out Florida and completing the compositions for his upcoming trio album in 2013. Stay tuned for sample postings from this upcoming project. Thanks for visiting!