Maria Martinez originally from Camaguey, Cuba and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a respected drummer, percussionist, clinician and educator, now living and working in Los Angeles.  She is the author of several educational publications, including Rudimental Warm-Ups book/CD package, Instant Guide to Drum Grooves book/CD package, Brazilian Coordination for Drumset, DVD/video and book/CD package and Afro-Cuban Coordination for Drumset instructional DVD/video and book/CD package, all published by Hal Leonard. 

Maria articles have been published in Percussive Notes, Drum magazines, Latin Percussion Music Group Education, Drum Instructors Only Newsletters and is currently columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine.  She is co-founder and author of the World Beat Rhythms (WBR) Beyond the Drum Circle Workshop Series and the WBR Beyond the Drum Circle book/CD series, WBR - Brazil, WBR - Africa and WBR - Cuba (2003) Hal Leonard.  She has taught master classes, conducted clinics and played at events such as the Berklee School of Music World Percussion Festival, PASIC (Percussive Arts Society International Convention), NAMM (National American Music Merchants), and TCAP (The California Arts Project) among others.

Martinez pursues an active free-lance career performing and sharing both stage and studio with such artists as   Rita Coolidge,  Angela Bofill, Klymaxx, El Chicano, Emmanuel, Peach, Trini Lopez and the late Barry White, Nel Carter and Johnny Paycheck.  Her television appearances include The Drew Carey Show, Dukes of Hazzard (movie of the week), Soul Train, The Late Show, Desde Hollywood (Univision) and others.

Maria endorses Paiste Cymbals, Regal Tip Sticks, Latin Percussion, DW/Pacific Drums, Remo Heads, E-Pad Company and Rhythm Tech.
  

Professional Affiliations:

American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)

American Federation of Musicians (AFM)

Percussive Arts Society (PAS)