Thomas Martin
Principal Double Bass

Started playing aged:
12 - standing on two Cincinnati Phone Directories (I thought I would continue growing!)

Training:
Private study in Cincinnati, then three years with Oscar Zimmerman at Eastman School of Music and three years with Roger Scott at the Curtis Institute during military service.

Why did you choose to play bass?
I stopped piano lessons and Jr. High School had a new double bass and asked for volunteers.

What is your favourite piece of music?
It depends who is playing. I enjoy all types of music if played well. I especially love Bach though.

If you weren't a musician, what would you like to be instead?
Something wealthy!

Do you have any pets?
7 cats, 3 dogs, 9 horses, 3 chickens!

What is your most annoying habit?
Interrupting people.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
My teacher Roger Scott and the many great conductors I had the good fortune of working with. Josef Krips was especially kind to me.

How do you deal with pre-concert nerves?
Be prepared.

What sort of music do you listen to when you're unwinding after a long day at work?
All sorts. I'm a great fan of Ruby Lakatos the gypsy violinist. I love jazz.

Any embarrassing playing experiences?
I gave a recital at the Purcell Room once with my flies undone!

What sort of bass do you play?
I mostly use a bass I made myself in 2002. Sometimes I use a Francesco Ruggieri 1680 or Carlo Giuseppe Testore 1703 or a Jacguet Gand 1880.