Michael Mixtacki

Percussion

Michael Mixtacki serves as a Teaching Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. 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. In addition to the Oak Ridge Symphony, Michael has also performed with the Madison Symphony Orchestra (WI), Mid Texas Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, and Lubbock Symphony (TX). As a performer, Michael’s work spans the symphony stage, the jazz club, and the recording studio, with appearances alongside artists including So Percussion, 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.