Steve Martin : Associate Artist
Steve Martin was born in Mackay, North Queensland, in 1962. His first musical training was under Dorothy Blines, from whom he learnt both classical piano and recorder. From there he branched out into rock and jazz, learning tenor saxophone and flute while playing and singing in a number of different bands. In 1976 he went on to complete an apprenticeship in Instrument tuning & repair and today Martin's full time work is as a piano tuner/technician, with his own small business operating out of North Queensland.
In 1984 Martin went on to study the Associate Diploma of Jazz at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music under the tutelage of Clive Moorhead, the then Director of Jazz Studies at the Conservatorium. His love of arranging and composition was given a new and exciting lease on life while at the Conservatorium and since then Martin has gone on to not only teach modern contemporary piano, but to write as well. Another of Martin's great loves is arranging for big band ensembles, with many of his arrangements having been played by local big bands.
A number of modern jazz piano players have instilled a love for the instrument in Martin, including musicians such as Chick Corea, Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson. More contemporary influences include Dave Grusin and Tom Schumann from the band Spyro Gyra. It is Clive Moorehead, however, whom Martin names as his foremost musical inspiration.
The Steve Martin Quartet plays regularly in North Queensland, mainly performing jazz, but when called upon can also play most of the old rock classics as well.
Steve Martin is married to Kerry Martin who is herself a singer and has performed with a number of high profile Brisbane and Melbourne jazz rock bands. Steve and Kerry have two children, Kate and Henry, aged 12 and 9 respectively. Both children show a real love for music and a true desire to learn as much about music as possible.
Biography provided by the composer — current to February 2007