From that early age when many children begin to discover the delights of the piano, Martin took to playing quite naturally. The only problem, in those formative years, was his desire to re-score every piece " a la Martin" rather than conforming to the composers original score!
His earliest recollections of performing take him to roots in his local Church where, as a child, he was encouraged to learn pieces and entertain in the many concerts which occurred within that community.
Now, years later, from those roots, it is that talent plus practise and sheer enthusiasm which has created a musical entrepreneur who is unique in style, thrilling to hear and truly entertaining. However, the world of musical entertainment may not have gained this imaginative individual had he continued his original career in Catering and Hotel Management.
Fortunately, throughout 16 years in the Catering Industry, Martin continued a close association with the world of music and with many well know musicians. Working with them in live concert performances and the recording studio enabled him to learn the craft and skills which are indigenous in every performance he gives.
It was in the early 80's he realised his ambition and returned to music full time engaging in musical projects including the development of retail music enterprises, expanding the world of home entertainment organs, performing in the UK, Ireland, Europe and the USA, setting up a music teaching school and importing and distributing pipeless classical organs.
Whatever his business commitments he always finds time to encourages young music makers and is constantly involved at a local and national level as performer, adjudicator, mentor and critic. In 1990 he pioneered his present company, THE dms PARTNERSHIP, marketing live and pre-recorded music to enhance everything from an Anniversary Celebration to a Street Carnival, from a Dinner Dance to the launch of a car or even a new company!! Now 17 years later he has an enviable reputation and a high profile business with a distinguished client base of independent and multi-national organisations, charities and private groups.
To try and categorise Martin is an impossibility. He exudes a boundless energy and is passionate about the endless opportunities for musical entertainment. Every performance spreads his enthusiastic net further afield embracing new audiences and horizons. It is the hallmark of his popularity that finds him receiving invitations to perform all over the UK, Ireland and Europe. Not a traditionalist, he believes that his music should reach every widening and different audiences.
Busy as he is, his most recent venture has taken him far from his original geographical and business roots and, along with his wife, he has moved to the Scottish Borders town of Berwick Upon Tweed where they have built four properties for holiday makers to the area. As with everything else, Martin only accepts perfection as standard and the 4 new properties have all received official 5 star Tourism Board recognition for their excellence, quality and finish.
And what name have they given to the whole complex? "Composers at Woodlands". With their musical background it seems the ideal choice and four lucky musicians, Elgar, Bernstein, Vivaldi and Chopin all have a share in the properties with Martin and his wife living as "on site" owners of this unique development. Thankfully, despite what may appear a distant location Martin is still willing to travel the whole of the UK to continue the style and quality of entertainment for which he is justly well know.
Whenever you read this there is no doubt he will be embarking on some new venture, committed to sharing his spirited vision with anyone who will take up the invitation. He says. "There is no barrier or frontier in music. It is only constrained by imagination-----and a lack of practise!!" With all the practise in the world most of us will never aspire to his musical standards, but it's nice to watch him, hear him perform----------and dream!