Alfredo was born on September 9, 1959 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As a native New Mexican, he obtained his formal education through the Albuquerque Public School system, graduating from Valley High School in 1977. He continued on to graduate from the University of Albuquerque in 1983 and currently holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Throughout his years attending school, he also studied music through various programs. His studies included courses in music theory, composition and performance, playing the electric bass in jazz band, and the upright bass in orchestra.
Alfredo’s mariachi career began when he was just 9 years old. He learned to play the vihuela with his uncle, Benny Martinez, who was the director of Mariachi Del Norte and who first introduced Alfredo to mariachi music. Alfredo played the vihuela professionally with Mariachi Del Norte for five years, then later the guitarron for four years. He continued as a member of Mariachi Del Norte until he was 18 years old. In 1977 he accepted an offer to play the guitarron for Mariachi Nuevo Tapatio de Pedro Sepulveda where he remained a member until 1987. In 1987 Alfredo was asked to join Mariachi Tenampa as a vihuela player and director. It was at this time that he transformed Mariachi Tenampa to become a full time professional career for all it's members advancing the group to yet a higher professional level.
As a musician, Alfredo is well recognized for his unique and strong playing technique. Although his primary instrument as a member of Mariachi Tenampa is the vihuela, he is very proficient on the guitarron and guitar as well. His versatility and unique playing style make him one of the most respected armonia players in the state of New Mexico. Throughout his mariachi career, Alfredo has shared the stage in concert with the best mariachi groups in the world and has accompanied some of the most well-known high profile artists on stage, including Jose Alfredo Jimenez, Lucha Villa, Yolanda Del Rio, Beatriz Adriana, Lorenzo de Monte Claro, Paquita La Del Barrio, Ana Barbara, Lorenzo Antonio and Sparx, to name just a few. In the recording studio, he has also laid music tracks for many international and local New Mexican artists.
As a strong supporter of youth musical education programs, Alfredo currently acts as director and head instructor for school based mariachi programs at East San Jose Elementary School, Washington Middle School, Albuquerque High School and the University of New Mexico. He has lead the development of these successful programs which educate our youth on how to properly interpret mariachi music, and on the importance of preserving our culture for future generations. He has also assisted in the formation and development of several regional mariachi conferences throughout the state and surrounding areas by providing information on how to best set up the mariachi music workshops held within these conferences.