Martin was brought up in the Salvation Army where he learnt euphonium. He later became a bandsmaster in the Salvation Army, as were his father and grandfather in South Wales and Bristol.
Martin was previously associated with the band having spent five years as Musical Director of the old Bristol East band in the 1990's. He has been a freelance conductor with different musical ensembles as well as teaching brass and guitar. Martin is also a conductor in the brass ensemble 'Unity Brass'.