As well as conducting, Martin plays clarinet and piano, and also played bassoon for many years. He was a member of the National Youth Orchestra, both as a clarinettist and composer. He read music at Cambridge University and holds a further music degree from Durham University. He studied clarinet with Georgina Dobrée and Thea King, and composition with Herbert Howells and Patrick Gowers.
 

He taught music in a variety of schools for 15 years before becoming Music Adviser for Redbridge LEA, during which time he composed works for children’s choirs and orchestra that he directed at the Royal Albert Hall and Royal Festival Hall. He then became Music and Art Adviser for Hounslow LEA in West London, and a schools inspector.

He took early retirement in 2006 which gave him the time to devote to his own musical interests. As well as directing the Thameside Clarinet Choir, he conducts the Kings Clarinet Choir, is a member of the Linden Wind Orchestra and sings in Concordia Voices, a local choir. He also plays a large part in the musical life of his local church, St James, in Hampton Hill. He has composed original pieces for the TCC, one of which has been published, and is continuing the tradition of arranging music for the Choir.