About The Clinician, Dr. Joseph Martin

Meet Joseph Martin, the heart and soul behind our choir clinic. Discover what makes him a world-renowned clinician and why you won't want to miss this unique opportunity.

How did we choose Dr. Martin for our first choral clinic at
First Congregational UCC?

I’ve had the joy of serving as music director at First Congregational UCC since 2016, and over the past 10 years, our choir has built a repertoire full of favorite anthems—some quick and easy, some challenging, some jazzy, some with a little rock and roll, some deeply serious, and some beautifully traditional. Two years ago, while participating in an online forum, I listed “He is the Rock” by Michael Barrett as one of my top choir anthems. Later that same day, I noticed a comment from Joseph Martin himself thanking me for the kind words. Naturally, I did what any choir director might do in that situation (maybe?)—I messaged him directly.

What I discovered blew me away: Dr. Martin writes under 11 different pseudonyms, including Michael Barrett and Douglas Nolan. As I looked back at our choir’s favorites, it became clear—whether under his own name or one of his pseudonyms, the majority of the pieces we love to sing are by him! That was when I realized: if we were going to host our first-ever choral clinic, there was only one person we could bring. I asked him if he does clinics, then proposed the idea to our pastor and church board, explaining just how much joy his music has brought to our choir. They were immediately on board.

As I prepared for my very first Zoom meeting with Dr. Martin, I reached out in another forum for advice from anyone who had worked with him before. Almost immediately, someone offered to call me. And that phone call? The first words out of their mouth were: “You will not be disappointed! You have picked the perfect person for your first choral clinic. He is fun, exciting, incredibly skilled, and has a real passion for working with groups.” After meeting Dr. Martin myself on Zoom, I can say with certainty—they were right. He is every bit as inspiring, dynamic, and engaging as I had hoped.

Bringing Dr. Martin to Alpena will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for singers in Northern Michigan. Our choir—and anyone who joins this workshop—will not only have the chance to learn from one of the most celebrated choral composers of our time, but also experience the sheer joy, energy, and artistry that he brings to every rehearsal. This weekend is going to be unforgettable, and we cannot wait to share it with our community!

-Kat, Music Director

A Maestro's Journey

Joseph Martin, a native of North Carolina, holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Furman University and a Master of Music degree from the University of Texas, Austin. He shared his expertise for five years in the Piano Pedagogy Department at the University of Texas. His passion for music was ignited during his time as an accompanist for choral director and composer Milburn Price at Furman University, which led him to begin composing his own works.

Hal Leonard & Shawnee Press

As Director of Sacred Publications for Hal Leonard Corporation and Shawnee Press, Inc., Joseph oversees the editorial and creative direction, as well as the recording and production aspects. His talent has taken him around the globe, performing solo piano recitals and featuring with symphony orchestras in the United States and Mexico. As winner of the Nina Plant Wideman Competition, he performed with the Guadalajara Symphony Orchestra. His solo recital in Ex-convento del Carmen was broadcast nationally.

A Prolific Composer

With over two thousand compositions currently in print and continuously growing, Joseph's music resonates in prestigious venues worldwide, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Constitution Hall, and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. He has also recorded for Yamaha's Disklavier series and has composed hundreds of commissioned works.

"Lively, full of energy, joyful! Exuberant. World-renowned and choir favorite. This is a huge opportunity for Michiganders to have the unique chance to learn from one of the most famous sacred and secular choral composers, arrangers, and pianists!"

First Congregational UCC Alpena