Michael E. Martin is one of the original GIML faculty, teaching Instrumental Music, Theory and Applications. His interest in Music Learning Theory began when he first heard Dr. Gordon speak at a PMEA Conference in the mid-1980’s. In 1989, after attending a summer Jump Right In workshop with Richard Grunow, Mr. Martin enrolled in graduate studies at Temple University to learn from Dr. Gordon and Dr. Beth Bolton. He soon began collaborating with Drs. Grunow and Gordon on the first version of Jump Right In-for Strings.
Mr. Martin is author of the Parents’ Guide for Jump Right In: The Instrumental Series, is co-author of Jump Right In: The Instrumental Series-for Strings (Revised Edition), and is a co-author in The Development and Practical Application of Music Learning Theory, all published by GIA. He served as president of GIML from 2001-2004.
In addition to his work for GIML, Mr. Martin is currently a private teacher, freelance musician, and Affiliate Artist at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where he teaches Instrumental Methods.
Before retiring, he taught for 40 years in The School District of Haverford Township in suburban Philadelphia. During his tenure at Haverford, his students performed at Pennsylvania Music Educators Conferences, MENC Eastern Division Conference, and at the National Music Clinic. Mr. Martin has received the Citation of Excellence from PMEA and the 2013 Outstanding String Teacher Award from the Pennsylvania/Delaware String Teachers Association.
Mr. Martin has been a visiting lecturer in Music Education at Michigan State University, Rowan University, Temple University, The University of Texas at Arlington, Duquesne University, The University of South Carolina, The University at Buffalo, The University of Delaware, Rhode Island College, the Federal Institute of Sao Paolo, Brazil, the Music Academy of St. Cecilia in Lisbon, Portugal, and for the Foundation for Creative Education in Warsaw, Poland. He has presented clinics and educational sessions at MENC National, MENC Eastern Division, ASTA National, and state MEA Conferences in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Texas, Ohio, California, and Missouri. He is a past president of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National School Orchestra Association and has performed professionally on string bass, bass guitar, tuba, and voice.
Mr. Martin earned a B. S. in music education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a M. M. in music education from West Chester University. He holds further graduate credits from New England Conservatory, Vander Cook College of Music, Drexel University, and Temple University.