Donald Martin

Double Basses

Don Martin grew up in Buffalo, New York where he began his musical career at age seven studying piano and, later, the violin. He began studying double bass at age 12. His university training prepared him for a career in aeronautical engineering with a B.S. from Purdue University.
           
After working five years as an engineer in Boston, he decided to pursue his dream of becoming a professional double bass player in classical music. He acknowledges Willis Page, formerly of the Buffalo Philharmonic and Boston Symphony Orchestra, and Georges Moleux, former Principal Bass with the Boston Symphony, as teachers who helped him toward fulfilling that dream. When an opening occurred in the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, Mr. Martin auditioned and reached his goal.
           
He has served on numerous committees within the Symphony. Over the years, he has been active in chamber music performance, including 18 years with the Rarely Performed Music Group. Throughout his musical life, Don Martin has performed jazz with various groups.