About
Michael Mixtacki is a versatile percussionist, educator, and collaborator dedicated to helping students discover their unique musical voice. With over 15 years of experience across world percussion, orchestral percussion, contemporary chamber music, jazz, and commercial music, Michael brings a well-rounded, practical perspective to every rehearsal, lesson, and performance.
He has served on the percussion faculties at Texas Tech University, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and Northern Illinois University, directing percussion ensembles and founding Afro-Cuban and Samba groups that foster creativity and community. Michael has also led summer percussion camps, taught private students of all ages, and presented workshops at universities across the country. His students are active contributors to the percussion field, serving as K-12 and collegiate educators, diverse performers, and organizational leaders shaping the next generation of musicians.
As a performer, Michael’s work spans the symphony stage, the jazz club, and the recording studio, with appearances alongside artists including Kristin Chenoweth, Boyz II Men, Liam Teague, Raul Pineda, Jesús Diaz, Elio Villafranca, and Nestor Torres. His versatility across orchestral, chamber, jazz, and Latin percussion settings reflects his commitment to being a well-rounded musician. His deep appreciation for Afro-Cuban music led him to pursue research in Havana and Matanzas, Cuba, and his love for Brazilian music continues to inspire his teaching and performance. Michael’s recording credits include two albums with Ritmos Unidos, and two GRAMMY-nominated recordings with Michael Spiro and Wayne Wallace.
Michael is grateful for the opportunity to study with many master educators, including Anthony DiSanza, Michael Spiro, Alan Shinn, and Brian Kendrick in his academic studies, as well as independent studies with Daniel Alfonso, Dolores Perez Herrera, Pedro “Pello” Tapanez, Jesús Diaz, Jorge Alabê, Scott Kettner, and John Jutsum, among many others.
Michael is an official clinician for the Latin Percussion Department of Education and is a Yamaha Performing Artist. He also endorses Remo drumheads, Innovative Percussion sticks and mallets, and Sabian cymbals.