Meet Emile Martinez | Artist, Songwriter, Composer, Producer, Trumpeter, Educator, Band Leader, Business Owner,

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emile Martinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emile, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Being Black and Puerto Rican, born in Los Angeles and raised between Los Angeles and New York City, his story is one of resilience and rhythm. With parents who grew up in the Bronx during the 1950s, his upbringing was as rich in culture as it was in challenges.
His mother, an African American woman, and his father, a Puerto Rican man, brought him into the world late in their lives—at 38 and 45, respectively. Theirs was a generation of baby boomers who lived through some of America’s most defining decades. That experience gave them a deep-seated resolve and an unwavering commitment to values: integrity, empathy, kindness, and love. It was these lessons they sought to pass on, though life often made their methods harsh.
Raised primarily by his mother, who shouldered the responsibilities of parenthood while living paycheck to paycheck, he learned early on what sacrifice meant. Times were especially hard, but the love and determination his mother showed never wavered. Now, as a husband and father himself, he finds solace in the realization of just how much was poured into him—how every struggle was a gift of resilience.

The Melodies of Mentorship:
Music became his refuge and his foundation. It began with Carol Dobbes at Hillcrest Elementary School, who introduced him to instrumental music during his fourth and fifth-grade years. From there, the seeds of a lifelong passion were planted. By the time he reached 32nd Street Middle School, he was under the guidance of Steven Venz, a teacher who not only nurtured his musical talent but also supported him during critical years of his life.
Mentorship would become a recurring theme in his journey. Dr. Derrick Finch, who stepped into his life at 13, became a big brother figure, guiding him through his formative teenage years. Then there was Clay Jenkins, his first trumpet teacher, and Lee Secard, under whom he studied from sixth grade through high school. Sal Charcciolo, another pivotal figure, provided lessons that elevated his skill set. But it was Oscar Brashear, affectionately known as “Osad,” who became his mentor and friend from the age of 14 to 34. Their connection began after a life-changing moment at the Hollywood Bowl during his freshman year of high school. The Lachsa Jazz Big Band had just opened for the Playboy Jazz Festival, and backstage, he mustered the courage to ask Brashear to teach him. With the encouragement of Clay Jenkins, Brashear took him under his wing, shaping him not only as a musician but as a person.

The Intersection of Family and Legacy:
While music shaped much of his external world, his immediate and extended family deeply influenced his internal one. His aunt, a former classically trained acoustic guitarist went on to become a principal and vice principal in the Bronx for over 25 years, exemplified leadership and the value of education. His uncle Lawrence was a DJ and B-boy in Queens during the late 1970s, contributing to the golden age of hip-hop. His godfather, Walter Gaines, brought the magic of Motown into his life as a singer and songwriter with The Originals. Gaines’ wife, Barbara, his godmother, was equally influential, along with their circle of talented friends. Sherrie Payne, his godmother’s best friend and former lead singer of The Supremes post Diana Ross, was like an aunt to him. Memories of watching Payne perform or seeing his godfather’s performances on TV,VHS, or DVD filled his childhood with a sense of possibility and pride.
Surrounded by educators, artists, and musicians, he was constantly inspired and humbled. The energy of his family’s legacy pushed him to strive for greatness while staying grounded. Their stories, sacrifices, and successes were the quiet hum of encouragement that underscored his own journey.

A Symphony of Struggles and Success:
Flying back and forth between Los Angeles and New York City once or twice a year, he navigated two worlds. At Lachsa—the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts—he thrived among exceptionally talented peers, many of whom had shared earlier stages with him in the Colburn School Jazz Band. The interplay of competition and camaraderie at Lachsa pushed him to grow. Performances at iconic venues like the Hollywood Bowl and Lincoln Center in NYC were milestones, but the mentorship he received from figures like Kamau Peterson and Dorie Pride during these years kept him rooted.

Reflection:
Today, he looks back on his journey with gratitude. The challenges of being raised by older parents, the sacrifices of his mother, the wisdom imparted by mentors, and the artistic energy of his extended family all converged to create a life steeped in meaning and music. His story is a testament to how the harmony of struggle and support can create a symphony of resilience and artistry.

From the Bronx to Los Angeles, from jazz to Motown, his journey is a celebration of the people, places, and passions that shaped him—a reminder that greatness often emerges from the interplay of hardship and hope.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Music has always been more than just sound to me—it’s been a refuge, a form of expression, and a way to navigate life. From a young age, I’ve been captivated by the idea of improvisation and composition. Early on, I learned the foundations—transcribing, studying theory, and understanding harmony. But I realized that what truly matters is how I hear music, how it makes me feel, and how I articulate that through my artistry.

Improvisation and composition became my voice. Writing music has been my therapy since middle school. Growing up facing emotional and financial hardships, I found solace in creating melodies and harmonies. My journey deepened when I studied with Lee Secard, Kamau Peterson, PhD. Derrick Finch, and Oscar Brashear who nurtured my understanding of functional harmony and its relationship to composition. That experience shaped my approach as an artist, moving beyond playing to creating a unique sound that represents me.

I’ve always strived for artistry —not just proficiency within my craftsmanship. In today’s world, being a multi-instrumentalist is celebrated, but I value mastery over mere versatility. My focus has been on stepping away from the instrument to dive deeper into composition, production, and the artistry of music itself. This mindset fuels my creativity and guides my work, from composing to producing beats.

This year is particularly significant. My upcoming album, Lamad, is a deeply personal project that has been years in the making. Inspired by the loss of a close friend in 2018, this record is dedicated to his memory and the lessons he imparted—never to take life for granted and to always believe in myself. His encouragement pushed me to release music and share my story. The album is set to drop in June or July, with singles leading the way, and I can’t wait to showcase my growth as a composer and bandleader.

In addition to the album, I’m releasing my first beat tape, exploring my voice as a producer. This project merges my roots in African-American classical and improvisational music with the beats and rhythms that shaped my upbringing. Artists like J Dilla, Q-Tip, and Busta Rhymes taught me the power of music to connect and inspire, and I aim to contribute to that legacy in my own way.

My band, The Education, is another exciting chapter. This chapter is about creating a platform for us and other upcoming artists and creatives alike, to share our collective voice and explore new creative directions. It’s a thrilling opportunity to connect with audiences and grow as a community.
Looking back, my journey has been shaped by incredible mentors, peers, and opportunities. From performing at coffee shops and the Jazz Bakery as a teenager to studying at Berklee College of Music, where I was able to study under Ken Cervenka, Mark Whitfield Sr, Ron Mahdi, Ralph Peterson, Darren Barrett, Charles Lewis, Jeff Stout and Raydar Ellis. To then studying under Wadada Leo-Smith, Ed Carroll, Larry Koonse, and Charlie Haden at Cal Arts. I’ve always been surrounded by a community that pushed me to grow. If it wasn’t for Greg Badolato and Igmar Thomas who really opened the door for me to explore the beginnings of what would be the first steps towards that next level of my musical journey I wouldn’t be where I am today. More than mentors—they’re inspirations who have left an indelible mark on my path. Each connection has reinforced the value of brotherhood, sisterhood, and community in this journey.

At the heart of it all is my belief in education—not just in the academic sense but as a way of life and remaining a student of life. Growing up, education became my tool to rise above challenges. Today, as both a musician and educator, I’m passionate about sharing this mindset with others. My friends Aaron Shaw, Lawrence Shaw, and I are building an educational business aimed at empowering kids through music. We believe in teaching beyond technique, instilling a lifelong love for learning and a sense of service to others.

Ultimately, my story is about resilience, community, and growth. I want to inspire others who come from challenging circumstances to see that despite hardships, life offers endless opportunities to learn, grow, and create. Music has taught me that we are students of life, heritage, and the world. My “brand” isn’t just about music—it’s about authenticity, learning, and giving back. Life itself is the brand, and every note I play, every composition I write, and every lesson I teach is a reflection of that belief.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m all about good food and laid-back days. I’d start with a vegan Mexican meal at Doomie’s Nex Mex in Hollywood. followed by hanging at Venice Beach. The next day, we’d hit up lunch at Salsa & Beer in North Hollywood for tacos and margaritas followed by Thai dinner at Krua Thai in Burbank.. On Day 3, we’d take a trip to Long Beach, stroll through Shoreline Village, and grab lunch before heading to Stuff I Eat in Inglewood for some amazing plant-based comfort food. After that, we’d spend a morning hiking up to Griffith Observatory for the views, then grab lunch at Grand Central Market in Downtown LA and explore the area. Day 5 would be all about Santa Monica Pier and a relaxing wandering through Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who deserve recognition—people without whom I wouldn’t be where I am today. Each of them poured their love, wisdom, and encouragement into my life, shaping not only the artist I’ve become but the person I strive to be.

First and foremost, I want to celebrate my mother. Her relentless hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in me were the foundation of everything. She invested in me fully—heart, mind, and soul—and always pushed me to rise above challenges. Her support was a lighthouse during even the stormiest times.

Though my relationship with my father was tumultuous, I’m grateful for the opportunity to rebuild and reconnect over the years. That journey of healing has been transformative, and I cherish where we are now.

I’ve also been blessed with incredible father figures—men who were not only musicians, artists, and creatives but also exemplars of what it means to live with balance, integrity, and dedication. Some were fathers themselves; others were like uncles, mentors, or big brothers to their students. These men taught me that artistry and personal growth are not mutually exclusive—they are intertwined.

My gratitude extends to Ian Foxx, my Uncle Lawrence, David Downing, Walter Gaines, Lawrence Brown, Rasheed Ali, Freddie Gorman, Hank Dixon, Clay Jenkins, Sal Charcciolo, Steven Venz, and Oscar Brashear, whose influence shaped my musical foundation. Kamau Peterson, Uncle Spence, Dr. Derrick Finch, Dr. Eddie Becton, and Dr. James Ford gave me wisdom and guidance when I needed it most. And the list continues—Joseph Leimberg, Garfield Adams, Shafiq Husayn, Nicholas Pimentel, Erinn Courtney, Aaron Shaw, Lawrence Shaw, Sergio Rodriguez, Gaby Duran, Heather aka M0ther, Sam Reid, Jody Giachello, David Love, Joel Adams, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Ed Carroll, Teodross Avery, Wadada Leo-Smith, Kim Kimber, Michael Barsimanto, and Jim Berkeley and of course my father Eugenio Martinez—each of these individuals poured something invaluable into me, whether it was mentorship, encouragement, or inspiration.

To be surrounded by such brilliance, kindness, and love has been nothing short of a blessing. This is my shoutout to all of them—for seeing something in me when I couldn’t, for lifting me up when I stumbled, and for showing me what’s possible when you lead with passion and purpose. My story is theirs as much as it is mine.

Website: https://www.emilemartinez.com

Instagram: https://instargram.com/emilemartinez_trumpet

Image Credits
VisualThought (portraits) and Camille Stemmons