Martin Perkins

Martin Perkins is a Senior Lecturer and Head of Historical Performance at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Birmingham City University. He also serves as Instrument Curator, overseeing the conservatoire's historical instrument collection. His academic career began with an undergraduate degree in composition and French horn at Birmingham Conservatoire, followed by an MA in harpsichord performance and an MPhil on the instrumental works of Giovanni Battista Vitali. His PhD thesis, 'Music in Country Houses of the English Midlands, 1750–1810,' explores the social and cultural dimensions of music in domestic settings. As a performer, he specializes in harpsichord and continuo, working with ensembles across the Midlands and London.

His research focuses on Early Music, historical performance practices, and the interplay between music and its socio-cultural context. He previously directed music programs at Leicester University (until 2006), leading choirs, orchestras, and ensembles. His current activities include advancing historical performance pedagogy and curating instruments in the Conservatoire's collection. His work bridges academic research and practice, emphasizing the revival of neglected repertoires and their contextual interpretation.