Martin Hathaway

Martin Hathaway is a Professor of Jazz and leader of the Ellington Orchestra at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London, where he has served since 1991. He held roles as Coordinator of Undergraduate Jazz (1994–2007) and Head of Jazz Studies (2007–2015). He is a Fellow of the Guildhall School (awarded 2011) and leads jazz curricula, composition, and performance education.

His performance career spans collaborations with renowned artists like Wynton Marsalis, Michael Garrick, and the London Jazz Orchestra. He plays saxophones, clarinets, flutes, and piano, and composes for large ensembles. He is also a session musician for Radiohead, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and film/TV projects.

As an educator, he teaches at multiple institutions, including Essex Music Services (since 1989), Goldsmiths’ College, City University, and the Junior Guildhall. He leads the Essex Youth Jazz Orchestra and Quintet/Sextet, and mentors emerging musicians through workshops globally.

Martin’s work bridges jazz performance, academic leadership, and community engagement, emphasizing jazz history, improvisation, and ensemble development.