La Doncella del Acordeón is the stage name of Yokaira Martínez Álvarez, a Dominican accordionist, singer and music educator working in merengue típico, also known as perico ripiao. Her career combines performance with teaching the accordion to younger musicians.

Musical training and teaching

Her father, musician Ramón Martínez, taught her the instrument. He founded the «Perico Ripiao» traditional music school in 2005, and she later took on its direction. Teaching is a sustained part of her musical practice.

Performance

She leads her own ensemble and also sings, composes and arranges. Santo Domingo has been a base for her work. During a visit to Valledupar in November 2021, she discussed women's participation in Dominican and Colombian traditional music with «El Pilón».

Legacy

Her contribution joins the public performance of merengue típico with the practical work of passing it on. Through teaching and ensemble activity, she introduces new generations to the accordion.