Michael Maschmeier Bio
About Michael J. Maschmeier, Founder of Warrior Musician
Michael J. Maschmeier is a composer, conductor, educator, and Retired U.S. Marine who founded Warrior Musician to blend artistic excellence with military discipline. His extensive career, spanning combat operations to international musical performances, forms the backbone of his approach to music writing and producing. With over a decade of experience in public school teaching and a Master's degree in conducting, Michael provides professional music lessons designed to help musicians achieve their highest potential.
Qualifications at a Glance
20 Years of Service: Honorably retired Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps.
Combat Decorated: Awarded the Purple Heart Medal and combat valor distinctions for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Advanced Music Education: Holds a Master of Music in Wind Band Conducting with specialties in composition and brass pedagogy.
International Experience: Performed and conducted in 27 countries, including a command position as Enlisted Conductor with the Navy NATO Band in Naples, Italy.
Founder of Warrior Musician, LLC: Actively provides composition, arrangement, and mentorship services.
A Foundation of Service: U.S. Marine Corps Career
Michael's journey began in House Springs, Missouri. After five years of teaching K-12 music, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1997 to serve his country and pursue professional performance. His varied military career included roles as a euphonium and percussion instrumentalist with multiple Marine Bands.
In 2006, he deployed to Camp Fallujah, Iraq, where he served as Platoon Sergeant and Convoy Commander, leading 143 missions. It was during this deployment he was awarded both combat valor and the Purple Heart Medal. He later became only the 12th Marine Musician to serve with the Navy NATO Band in Naples, Italy, where he was selected as Enlisted Conductor. His military career concluded as Enlisted Conductor for the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve Band in New Orleans, retiring honorably in 2017.
Military Decorations Include:
The Purple Heart Medal
5 Navy Achievement Medals (with 1 Combat Distinguishing Device)
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
A Lifetime of Musical Excellence: Education & Teaching
Michael's commitment to music education is extensive. He has 14 years of public school teaching experience and holds a Master of Music degree in Wind Band Conducting from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). During his graduate studies, he assisted in teaching undergraduate conducting and served as the Graduate Assistant for the Wind Ensemble.
His formal education includes:
Master of Music, Wind Band Conducting: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (2019)
Bachelor of Science, Music Education: Central Methodist University (1992)
Unit Leader & Senior Musician Courses: Armed Forces School of Music
This deep background in pedagogy and performance directly informs the high standards of the professional music lessons offered at Warrior Musician.
Beyond the Music
Today, Michael is an active composer and arranger with his company, Warrior Musician, LLC. He is a KISS super-fan, a recumbent cyclist, and enjoys woodworking and exploring National Parks with his wife of 34 years, Rebecca. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the Marine Corps League, the Conductors Guild, and the National Association for Music Education.