Michael's Music Lessons

My name is Michael Martinez. I am a husband, a father, and a musician. In my younger days, I was a part of every musical ensemble I could be a part of; I was a percussionist in the my middle and high school's Symphonic Band, a member of the drumline for the Riverside Ranger's Marching Band, a member of INNOVATIVE (a Winter Guard International competing percussion ensemble), a pianist in the El Paso Youth Jazz Ensemble, and a member of the Riverside Choir. I played drums in a few bands outside of school as well. In 2012, I graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso with my degree in Commercial Music with piano as my primary instrument. My studies revolved around music technology, music theory, and performing. At UTEP I was the pianist for the Jazz Ensemble, a member of Men's Choir, and outside of school I continued playing in various groups, recorded an album at Sonic Ranch Studios, and performed at Neon Desert Music Festival in El Paso in 2013. After graduating from UTEP, I was hired as the Music Director at Harmony Science Academy. It was here that I taught Music Appreciation, Music History, Choir, Guitar, Piano, and Music Theory AP. After 13 years of teaching in public education, I decided it was time to start my own private studio. In May 2025 I hung up my classroom keys and began teaching privately and focusing on my own music under the name Aztec Caves. Over the last 25 years I have taken care of my musical pursuits, and they in turn have taken care of me and provided me with a beautiful life, family, friends, and career. It is my honor, and goal to teach you this skill, and to show you how music can elevate the quality of your mind, health, and life.