Joseph Martin

Joseph Martin, a North Carolina native, pursued formal musical education, earning his Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. He continued his studies at the University of Texas, Austin, where he obtained a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance. Following his graduate studies, Martin spent five years teaching within the Piano Pedagogy Department at the University of Texas. During his time at Furman University, he served as an accompanist for choral director and composer Milburn Price, an experience that inspired him to begin composing.

Throughout his career, Martin has performed as a solo pianist and as a featured artist with symphony orchestras across the United States and Mexico. A significant milestone early in his performing career was winning the Nina Plant Wideman Competition, which led to a performance with the Guadalajara Symphony Orchestra. His solo recital in Ex-convento del Carmen was broadcast nationally in Mexico. His compositional work is extensive, with over two thousand choral compositions currently in print, encompassing both sacred and secular genres. He has also authored and co-authored several collections, including “Voices Together Duets for Sanctuary Singers,” “Seasons of Song Vocal Solos for the Entire Year,” and piano collections like “Celtic Tapestry” and “American Tapestry.”

Martin holds the position of Director of Sacred Publications at Hal Leonard Corporation and Shawnee Press, Inc., where he is responsible for editorial oversight, creative direction, and coordinating recording and production for sacred publishing efforts. His solo piano recording, “American Tapestry,” received a Dove Award nomination, and his composition “Pieta” was honored by the John Ness Beck Foundation. In 2008, he was inducted as a National Patron of the Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity. He co-authored “Keys for the Kingdom,” a progressive piano method for Christian students, and his major works include 50 choral cantatas. His work for young voices, “Heartsongs,” was premiered at Carnegie Hall. Martin is also a co-founder of “Journeys With Joe,” a travel experience for musicians, and leads Martin Creative Services, which organizes conferences and develops web-based ventures such as Sanctuary Radio.