Martínez studied at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York and later, in 1993, earned the Doctoral Degree in Chamber Music and Accompanying at the University of Miami. He was Director of the Chamber Music Department of the Harid Conservatory in Florida (1992-93) and Interim Director of the Accompanying Department of the University of Miami (1991). Between 1983 and 1997 he was Associate Professor of Piano at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico.

While in Puerto Rico, Martínez was also active as composer. Some of his works were presented in the Casals Festival and later at the Mozarteum (including a première in Salzburg with soprano Elaine Ortiz-Arandes).

During the last few years Martínez and soprano Ortiz Arandes have presented as duo successful concerts in Germany and Austria concentrating on the Lieder of Brahms. Martínez has also performed in New York City, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Perú, Ecuador, Italy, Slovenia and Czech Republic.