Carlos R Martinez

Carlos R. Martinez is a pianist and composer who believes that music is the art of building something beautiful with invisible blocks. Hailing from the vibrant city of Managua, Nicaragua, he is not only a talented pianist but also a prolific composer and a creative force across a rich tapestry of musical styles. Carlos’s greatest desire is for people to embrace music and culture in all their forms, as this fosters healthy growth within our communities.

Works

Below are sample recordings of Carlos' compositions. To listen to more, go to our Bandcamp page.

Sunrise on the Parkway, Movements 1 and 2.

The Wild Horse Overture. Performed by Julianna Waller - Martinez

Watercolors

Images I: Prelude for the piano

About

Carlos...…began piano lessons at five, and at seven, he entered the Nicaraguan National Conservatory, thanks to the support of his family. Under the tutelage of notable educators like Mercedes Prado, Joy Crocker, Monica Rodriguez, and Joan Parajon, Carlos honed his craft and developed a deep appreciation for chamber music, orchestral work, solo piano, choral works, and classical music.

Carlos R. Martinez is a pianist and composer who believes that music is the art of building something beautiful with invisible blocks. Hailing from the vibrant city of Managua, Nicaragua, he is not only a talented pianist but also a prolific composer and a creative force across a rich tapestry of musical styles. Carlos’s greatest desire is for people to embrace music and culture in all their forms, as this fosters healthy growth within our communities.Carlos began piano lessons at the age of five. By seven, he and his cousin Francis were making their marks at the Nicaraguan National Conservatory, thanks to the unwavering support of his parents and his beloved Uncle Francisco, a medical doctor with a passion for the arts. Francisco nurtured Carlos’s musical spirit by introducing him to orchestral and classical piano music. Although the 1980s were a time of political and economic instability in Nicaragua, Francisco would bring back scores of classical masterpieces gathered from his travels. Their daily sessions of listening to Carlos practice, studying recordings, exploring the rich depths of classical music, and reading literature became a cherished ritual.Throughout his education, Carlos was fortunate to have several extraordinary teachers who shaped his artistry. At the conservatory, his first teacher was Mercedes Prado, followed by Joy Crocker, a Juilliard graduate concert pianist who moved to Nicaragua to nurture young musicians. Joy not only honed Carlos’s musicality but also encouraged him to begin improvising and writing his music. He also studied under Monica Rodriguez, a Mexican professor and pianist, whose influence played a significant role in his development.As a young artist, Carlos performed with the Camerata Bach Chamber Ensemble, the National Chamber Orchestra, and the Coro Parajon Dominguez. By the age of twelve, he was invited by Joy Crocker to serve as the pianist for the Parajon Dominguez Choir, directed by the inspiring American soprano Joan Parajon. Joan’s impact on choral music in Nicaragua and her dedication to nurturing young talent left an indelible mark on Carlos’s musical journey. Under her guidance, he developed a profound love for choral works, performing in Puerto Rico, El Salvador, and various venues across Nicaragua. Carlos also found inspiration in Dr. Gustavo Parajon, Joan’s husband, who opened doors for him, and this ultimately led to a scholarship at Ottawa University in Kansas. There, he studied piano with Russian instructor Dr. Bair Shagdaron and sharpened his skills in harmony and composition with Dr. Byron Jensen, all while earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business.During his time at Ottawa University, Carlos also played for the Suzuki program under the leadership of Alice Joy Lewis. There, he gained valuable insights into chamber music and piano collaboration.With thirty-eight years of performance experience and twenty-eight years of teaching experience, Carlos is a prolific composer of classical music, Spanish hymns, and Nicaraguan folk tunes, as well as chamber works and piano pieces. His collaborations with both Nicaraguan and international musicians have captivated audiences, thanks to his enthusiastic style and warm personality, which make classical music feel accessible and deeply appreciated.Carlos co-owns and co-founded Essential Music LLC and Sandpiper Records with his wife and creative partner, violinist Julianna Waller-Martinez. Together, they have composed, recorded, and produced over 100 works for classical violin and piano and other chamber works. Today they continue to craft new musical masterpieces, spreading joy and culture through their art.In 2023, Carlos and Julianna decided to pursue further studies at the University of Kentucky. He is currently working on his Master’s in Collaborative Piano with Dr. Jacob Coleman and in Composition with Professor Trigos. His desire is to continue his studies and pursue a DMA in music. It is his hope to impact others in a positive way through music.

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