Yhael May
InterContinental Music Awards Winner
2024 – Best Instrumentalist
Born in Pamplona (Spain) in 1990 and currently residing in Madrid (Spain), her love for music was shaped by a family with strong ties to the musical realm. Her great-uncle, Anselmo Cuadrado Carreño, a notable playwright and lyricist in the Spanish zarzuela genre, and her maternal grandfather, Rafael Ayerdi Cuadrado, a celebrated saxophonist from Pamplona, served as significant wellsprings of inspiration.
At 5 years old, she embarked on her classical guitar journey under the guidance of her father, Jesús Martínez Torres, an acclaimed composer, educator, and classical guitarist. These formative familial encounters and impacts molded her musical fervor and skill since his earliest years, heralding the commencement of an outstanding musical vocation.
She holds a degree in Classical Guitar from the esteemed “Royal Conservatory of Music of Madrid,” a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from the “International University of Valencia,” and a degree in Didactics and Pedagogy for teaching Spanish Language and Literature from the “Pontifical University of Salamanca.” Additionally, she has delved into self-awareness and introspection, achieving the Expert Title in Mindfulness, Emotional Management, and Positive Psychology from the “Universidad de La Salle” in Madrid.
Her guitar education has been enhanced by renowned instructors like Iliana Matos, Joaquín Clerch, Manuel Babiloni, Miguel Esparza, Carmen Becerra, Leo Brouwer, and Carles Trepat.
Since November 2023, she has been a member of the Latin Recording Academy (LATIN GRAMMYS) and holds the title of “academic” in the Spanish Music Academy.
In the field of education, she imparts her profound expertise as a music teacher in Secondary Education in the Community of Madrid and as Director of the Dayha Music/Arts Online Academy of Music and Arts, where she persists in fostering the musical aptitude of upcoming generations worldwide.
She won the 1st prize at the “Granada National Classical Guitar Competition” in 2009 and the “National Youth Prize” at 19. Her exceptional talent in classical guitar performance has garnered acclaim. She was honored with the prestigious “Giraldillo de Honor for the best classical guitar performer” in Seville. Additionally, she achieved the 1st prize in the “Zarautz International Classical Guitar Competition” in 2007 at the age of 17 and the 3rd prize in the “International Classical Guitar Competition. Guitar from Valle de Egües” in Navarra (Spain).
In December 2023, she received two awards from the esteemed “MUSIC & STARS AWARDS” competition in the United States for “BEST VIDEO INSTRUMENTALIST” and “BEST CONCEPT” for her music video NIEBLA, directed and produced by Yhael May. The video featured the piece “Nocturno” composed by her father, Jesús Martínez Torres.
In March 2024, she achieved SEMI-FINALIST status at the “MIN AWARDS” for Independent Music and received a nomination in the “BEST CLASSICAL MUSIC ALBUM” category at the SPANISH MUSIC ACADEMY AWARDS. On June 30, she secured awards for “ABSOLUTE WINNER” in the Musical Video category, “ARTIST OF THE SEASON”, “GOLD PRIZE” in the VIRTUOUS WORK category, and “GOLD PRIZE” in the Classical Guitar Teacher category at the CLASSICAL STARS International Music Competition AWARDS.
She has showcased her musical talent at prestigious venues like “La Maestranza”, “Ateneo de Sevilla”, “Casa de la Provincia”, and “Real Alcázar” in Seville. In Madrid, he has performed at renowned locations including “Café Berlin”, “Plaza Mayor”, “Museo del Romanticismo”, “Auditorio Calero”, “Teatros del Canal”, “Asociación de la Prensa”, and “Wizink Center”. Internationally, he delivered an exceptional performance in Bulgaria for “Radio Varna” and collaborated with acclaimed Spanish pop artists such as Miguel Bosé, Vanesa Martín, El Arrebato, Manuel Carrasco, María Parrado, Huecco, Carlos Rivera, and Estopa. Her talent has been featured on popular television programs like “Tú Sí que Vales” and “Got Talent” on Telecinco. Additionally, she distinguished herself as a guitarist and backing vocalist for the singer Manu Tenorio.
In 2016, she developed her educational-musical production “DolceClaveKIDS!!” for family viewers, showcasing at the “Pequeño Teatro Gran Vía” during a 5-month run with backing from the Smedia Group. Furthermore, she showcased her guitar skills on shows like “Gala Inocente Inocente,” “Encendido de Navidad,” and “Las Mañanas de TVE.” Her album “NIEBLA” and its nomination were featured on RTVE’s CANAL 24H news program.
On June 16, 2024, she showcased her project “SUNFLOWER TOUR” at the “Madrid International Guitar Festival” and founded the “FIGUIM BEGINNERS ORCHESTRA.” On July 13th, she will proceed with her tour at the “Festival of the Castles in Alfajarín” (Zaragoza).