Ramon Martinez started playing drums at the age of four and has not stopped since. Ramon participated in marching band, concert band, and Jazz ensembles from Junior High all the way through college. Ramon’s dream was to become a session and freelance drummer so that he would one day be able to play with as many different artists as possible.

Ramon Martinez is a graduate of Bakersfield College, where he received his Associate of Art in Liberal Studies and a minor in music. Ramon transferred to California State University Northridge where he also studied music, including concert band with Joel Leach. During his college studies, Ramon attended a percussion class with Jerry Steinholtz. Mr. Steinholtz recognized Ramon’s potential and believed that Ramon’s playing would excel to the highest level by referring him to the world renowned percussionist Luis Conte. This is where Ramon’s playing propelled to another level. Ramon has also received drum lessons from David Garibaldi and hand techniques with Murray Spivach.

With over forty years of experience as a drummer and percussionist, Ramon has developed the skills to play many styles. Ramon specializes in Afro-Cuban rhythms and is not limited to Pop, Latin Jazz, R&B/Soul, and Mexican music. Ramon has toured with Los Humildes De Rudy Flores,

Eusebio “Chivo” Cortes, Pedro Iniguez, and Louie Cruz Beltran. Ramon has also played with Los Mismos. Ramon is currently in the studio recording drums and percussion for Grupo Lezama.

One of Ramon’s highlights as a drummer was meeting and playing with Dizzy Gillespie in 1987 at the Bakersfield College Jazz festival with the Jazz ensemble.