Martin’s first classical violin lessons began qt the age of 4 and were taught by his grandfather, Quirk Scudder.

Quirk studied under Tenhave at the Cincinnati Conservancy.

Quirk was offered a scholarship to study in Lausanne Switzerland in 1929 with DiRibeaupierre. Martin’s grandmother, Esther, was an aspiring vocalist. Her voice teacher was Isabelle Bard, who gave concerts all over Europe. Her theory teacher was Fritz Bach, a great nephew of J. S. Bach. She soon was unable to meet the demands of a singing career and began a secondary career as a piano teacher. Quirk and Esther eloped to Switzerland when Quirk accepted his scholarship!

Martin continued his violin lessons with his grandfather until his grandfather’s death in 1975. At the same time he was taught by Jennie Kiteck in Berea, KY until 1978. At age 12, while under Mrs. Kiteck’s tutelage, Martin began playing with the Berea College Symphony.

Martin was born to Thurlowe and Erika Scudder. Both parents have had formal musical education, with Thurlowe on “strings” and Erika on piano. Thurlowe, being an up and coming violinist himself, very early discovered an interest in jazz and switched to the upright bass.

Martin grew up in a house with Bach, Brubeck, Humperdinck and the Moody Blues!

The education Martin received from his parents especially his father, goes much deeper than scales and music theory. That is the ability and desire to truly “listen” and to appreciate all forms of music.

Martin feels that all music has something to offer, to some more than others, to all people.

At the age of 18, after connecting with Jim and Patti Stallard, Martin discovered the world of electricity!

After professional playing for over a decade, Jim and Patty settled down in Southwest Virginia to begin a career in photography and advertising. Martin owes his knowledge of electricity to Jim Stallard! Working on a sound for the next 3-4 years, Martin finally came up with a unique sound that is uniquely his with signature scales and soaring violin leads.

Martin joined a local group, Grace Note. Grace Note, comprised of Bob Grubel (vocal and keyboards) and Tom Williams (vocal and guitar), along with Martin, played together for 14 years. Grace Note released 2 CDs, Always Dreamed of Flying and Fragrance of the Rose. During that 14 years, Martin also played with numerous groups and has recorded for several other artists up and down the East Coast including 4 years with Edwin Gray playing in and out of Boston and Manhattan.

Martin is now venturing into the solo world with the release of Wolf Run in 2002 and the anticipated release of Chapter IX Stepping Forward in late 2007.

Martin has served as an artist and co-producer on Whispering Pines by local artist, Bernie Coveney. There are also several other projects in the works.

Martin, along with his wife, Kim, and son, Chris, lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and continues to be inspired by the natural world which is reflected in his music.

Soon to head west, Martin and Kim along with Chris, look forward to the next chapter in their life, Chapter IX.