Michael Martin Michael Martin is a multi-instrumentalist, performer, songwriter, producer, recording artist, educator, and arts administrator based in Denton, Texas. He currently serves as the Administrative Coordinator for the University of North Texas Division of Jazz Studies, where he supports one of the nation's premier collegiate jazz programs by coordinating daily operations, academic scheduling, student enrollment, guest artist residencies, concerts, workshops, and special projects. Drawing on years of experience as both a professional musician and administrator, Michael is passionate about creating opportunities that allow students, faculty, and artists to thrive.

Born in New Mexico before relocating to Texas as a child, Michael grew up listening to Classic Rock and Mid-2000s Rock, influences that continue to shape his musicianship today. He began playing percussion in middle school before joining the Honors Concert Band and the Tivy High School Gold Tones, an award-winning jazz ensemble. The summer after graduating high school, Michael joined Ingram's Point Theater production of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story as a singing drummer and actor. Following the show's success, the cast continued performing together as a 1950s and 1960s tribute band, entertaining audiences throughout the Texas Hill Country for more than a decade.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts in English (Rhetoric) from Texas A&M University, Michael discovered a passion for music education while teaching private lessons in College Station. Working with students ranging in age from three to seventy, he developed a deep appreciation for music pedagogy and interpersonal development while simultaneously performing with numerous bands throughout Central Texas.

Seeking to further his musical education, Michael relocated to the Dallas-Fort Worth area to study at Collin College, where he performed in Chamber Choir, Jazz Choir, Opera, and numerous small ensembles while studying classical and jazz voice, drumset, guitar, and piano. During his time there, he received excellence awards in music theory, sight-reading, ear training, and performance, and won First Place in the Texoma NATS Advanced Men's Classical Division in 2019 before earning an Associate of Music degree.

Michael later transferred to the University of North Texas to study Jazz Voice. While at UNT, he performed with several vocal jazz ensembles, including Jazz Singers during his senior year, and refined his skills as a vocalist, arranger, and music engraver under the direction of Jennifer Barnes, Rosana Eckert, Tyler Thomas, and Marion Powers. Their mentorship helped shape not only his musicianship, but also his understanding of professionalism, collaboration, and artistic excellence.

Before returning to UNT in his current administrative role, Michael served as Lead Administrator for Lone Star Music Academy in Flower Mound, Texas. There he managed the scheduling of more than 600 students and 40 instructors, directed the academy's summer camp program, oversaw bookkeeping and billing operations, implemented a new operating system, and helped streamline administrative processes during a period of significant growth.

Today, Michael maintains an active performance career throughout North Texas, appearing with several regional artists and ensembles, including Odd Folks, Billy Law, and The New Buddy Holly Band. In addition to performing with multiple groups, he regularly appears as a solo musician at hotels, restaurants, and private events, while continuing to work as a freelance recording artist on a variety of projects. Whether supporting one of the world's leading jazz programs behind the scenes or performing on stage, Michael is passionate about building vibrant musical communities through performance, education, and thoughtful administration. When he's not working or making music, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Belen, and their two dogs.