Martin began studying piano at the age of 4, and, having played most of the instruments in the orchestra and band during grade school and high school, went to college with a firm grasp of music. He studied music and composition at USC and went on to have a professional career playing and conducting for various artists including Anthony Newley and Burt Bacharach. For the last 30 years, he has made his living as a composer, having written for many dramatic series, including ER for 15 years, Trinity, and Beverly Hills 90210. He has also written for several miniseries, TV movies, cable movies, and motion pictures, such as Mad Money, Touching Home, and I Bring What I Love. He is currently enjoying writing for many media and continuing to grow as a composer.