Martin Hamer was born in Somerset, United Kingdom. He graduated in 2010 from Leeds College of Music with a BA (Hons) in Jazz Piano Studies. Since then Martin has toured the world as pianist and Musical Director for Royal Caribbean, Crystal Cruise Lines and Celebrity Cruises. Currently Martin is serving as bandleader for the 6-star luxury line Seabourn. In addition to leading and directing 7-piece showbands, Martin is a versatile and sensitive vocal accompanist, and able to showcase a wide variety of styles from musical theater to rock and pop.
Martin began learning the piano from an early age, and under the direction of Mark Cracknell gained a DipABRSM when he was 17. Alongside his classical studies Martin expressed a passion for Jazz, which was demonstrated throughout his time at The Castle School as a member of various jazz ensembles on both Piano and his secondary instrument, Trombone. At the end of his school studies, Martin received an award for an 'Outstanding Contribution to Music'. This immersion in music from an early age lead to many performance opportunities, including a 2 year restaurant residency from the age of 16.
In 2007 Martin moved to Leeds to study for a degree in Jazz Piano at Leeds College of Music (LCM). He studied under the direction of leading UK jazz performers and educators, including Les Chisnell, Jamil Sheriff, Mark Donlon, Kathy Dyson, Omar Puente and Jamie Taylor. His time at LCM lead to public performances with notable artists, including Joel Purnell, Ronnie Bottomley and Zoltan Dekany. He was also fortunate enough to perform in the flagship LCM Big Band under direction of Simon Barnes.
Since graduating in 2010 with a 2:1, Martin has been able to utilize his skills not only as a performer but also as a musical arranger. He has created arrangements for numerous guest entertainers, who perform his charts regularly in the cruise industry.
Martin is available for performances, vocal accompaniment and the creation of musical arrangments. If interested please visit the contact page.