Mr. Martinez Takes a Final Bow after 26 Years of Music

*As seen in the May 2026 edition of the Bagpiper. Written by Valentina Macias ’27, Layout Editor.

For 26 years, the sound of guitars, jazz, and encouragement has echoed at Saint Andrew’s, often coming from a familiar classroom: Mr. Martinez’s. 

This year, the beloved guitar teacher prepares to leave Saint Andrew’s after more than two decades of inspiring student musicians and shaping the performing arts community.

Mr. Martinez joined Saint Andrew’s in 2000, bringing a musical career rooted in performance and creativity. Before joining the Saint Andrew’s community, he taught at Miami Dade Junior College, toured with Latin artists such as Cami Losesto and Nelson Ed, and arranged music for Warner Brothers publishing. These experiences gave him an authentic, real-world perspective that could be felt in every rehearsal, class, and performance. 

Mr. Martinez said it's the people who have made his years at Saint Andrew’s unforgettable. From collaborating with fellow performing arts teachers to watching generations of students grow up, the relationships he built became the heart of his experience.

 “It's a good feeling coming to work,” he said. 

That sense of joy and connection has been present in his classroom for years. One of Mr. Martinez’s favorite memories dates back to his early years at Saint Andrew’s, when a group of students wanted to form a small extracurricular jazz combo outside of the regular band program. He coached the group from Middle School to Upper School, watching them grow as musicians and as individuals. 

“It was really rewarding,” he said, recalling how one of those students later became a musician. 

For Mr. Martinez, those moments of growth have always been the most meaningful part of teaching. 

“It’s rewarding when I see the lightbulb go off,” he said. “Especially students who may struggle at first. I say, just keep doing it. Don’t get discouraged.” 

That patience is what many students will remember most. Whether helping a beginner learn their first chord or guiding an advanced jazz musician’s confidence in a performance, Mr. Martinez’s teaching style is centered around encouragement and belief. 

Even after leaving Saint Andrew’s, music will remain at the center of his life. He plans to continue performing, taking on creative projects, and giving private lessons. 

“I’m going to continue playing,” he said. “I want to do more creative work…but I’m going to keep doing music.” 

Mr. Martinez hopes that students leave his classroom with more than technical knowledge.

“Have an appreciation for music,” he said. “Even if they don’t play the instrument anymore.” 

As Saint Andrew’s says goodbye to one of its longtime music teachers, Mr. Martinez leaves behind a strong legacy. 

Mr. King, the Director of Performing Arts, said, “I know how incredibly passionate he is about teaching and learning. The way he would inspire and motivate students, just to be the best versions of themselves, through guitar and through music, he's going to be greatly missed. Greatly. Greatly.”