Jayson Martinez is recognized as the first guitar major student in the history of the prestigious Arts High School in Newark NJ, the nation's first high school for the visual and performing arts. Now, as Director of Guitar Studies at his alma mater, Mr. Martinez has garnered countless educational awards, including winner of the Teacher of the Year Award in 2018-19 and nominee for the GRAMMY Music Educator’s Award. His students are continuously invited to perform in several prestigious venues across the country. This includes performing for Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in Washington DC, NAfME All-National Festivals, and opening for Grammy Award duo Rodrigo y Gabriela. 

As a student, Jayson attended New Jersey City University, studying under Dr. Ana María Rosado, and earned degrees in Music Education (B.A.), Music Performance (M.Mus.), and Educational Supervision and Administration (M.EdLd.). He was a featured soloist who performed for many renowned classical guitarists, including Roland Dyens and William Kanengiser. 

Currently, Mr. Martinez serves as the New Jersey Music Educators Association (NJMEA) Chairman for Guitar Education, Director of the NJMEA Honors Guitar Ensemble, and National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Eastern Division Representative for the Council of Guitar Education. Mr. Martinez is also the Guitar Studies Adjunct Professor at Kean University. 

An established classical guitarist, Mr. Martinez served as the concertmaster for the renowned New York City Classical Guitar Orchestra for over a decade. He is featured in podcasts for Bill Swick’s “Guitarists in the Classoom” series and for TopMusic.co. 

In 2021, Maestro Jayson Martinez founded the New Jersey Guitar Orchestra (NJGO), where he also serves as conductor. In 2022, the NJGO was featured in NYC Merkin Hall, performing with the United States Guitar Orchestra. 

Staying true to his roots, he is the owner of Tremolo Music Studio in Clifton NJ, where he teaches music education to aspiring musicians of all ages.