Piano lesson for all ages, ABRSM 1-8 included. Lessons tailor-made by professional composer-pianist.

Find out more about Martin

• 1) When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  I started learning piano when I was very young, and it quickly became my favourite instrument. The piano felt like an entire orchestra in one, and it was through this instrument that I developed my passion for both performing and composing. I especially loved playing classical, anime and game OST piano arrangements, which inspired me to explore how music can bring stories and characters to life. Over time, that passion evolved into writing music for screen and media, where I could blend storytelling and sound.

• 2) Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  Yes — film soundtracks and game scores. I can listen to Joe Hisaishi’s Studio Ghibli music or John Williams’ orchestral works endlessly, and I also find myself returning to the impressionistic colours of Debussy and Ravel, or the rich romanticism of Rachmaninoff. On the contemporary side, I love the orchestral writing of Takashi Yoshimatsu, who bridges classical tradition with modern sensibilities. Game soundtracks like Monster Hunter and Dark Souls also never get old for me — they create such powerful atmospheres that I’m constantly inspired, and even after countless listens, I still notice new details.

• 3) Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  student of music.
  The most rewarding course I could give is one that combines piano, composition, and theory. It’s not just about learning to play notes, but about understanding how music works and then using that knowledge creatively. Students would learn solid piano technique alongside harmony, chords, and theory — and then apply those skills to compose their own pieces. It’s challenging because it asks students to think as both performers and creators, but it’s incredibly exciting to watch them gain confidence in expressing their own musical voice.

• 4) What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  I think Violin, or string instruments in general, are among the most complicated to master. Unlike the piano, they have no fixed keys or frets, so perfect intonation relies entirely on the player’s ear and technique. On top of that, producing a beautiful tone requires years of control, whether through bowing or plucking. They are incredibly expressive, but also very unforgiving, which is why mastering them takes such dedication.

• 5) What are your keys to success?

  Consistency, adaptability, and passion. I’ve learned that success in music comes from showing up daily, refining your craft, adapting to new genres and technologies, and most importantly, keeping the love of music alive. For me, teaching and composing go hand in hand: both are about connecting, creating, and inspiring.

• 6) Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  Joe Hisaishi — his film scores shaped my childhood, and I’d love to talk about how he balances simplicity and depth.
  
  Jacob Collier — his harmonic mind is like no one else’s, and I’d love to exchange ideas about theory and improvisation.
  
  Evan Call — his anime soundtracks are filled with rich orchestration and emotion, and I’d love to hear about how he approaches storytelling through music in such a distinctive way.

• 7) Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  During my MA in Composition for Film and TV at Bristol, I once scored an experimental short film overnight after the original audio was lost right before a showcase. It was stressful, but the challenge pushed me to trust my instincts and deliver under pressure — an invaluable lesson for working in the fast-paced world of screen music.

• 8) What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  I tailor every lesson to the student — whether that’s teaching a beginner their first pop song, helping a young composer orchestrate their ideas, or guiding a gamer who wants to write their own soundtrack. I always encourage students to bring in music they love, because learning becomes so much easier when it’s personal and inspiring. That balance of fundamentals, creativity, and encouragement is what I think makes me stand out.