Joey M. Martin
Joey M. Martin is a musician regarded for his diverse musical interests, engaging artistry, and passionate enthusiasm for the choral art. He holds the rank of professor of music at Texas State University and continues in his 26th year as Director of Choral Activities with additional duties as the Associate Dean for the College of Fine Arts and Communication. Dr. Martin has been recognized as a Favorite Professor at Texas State and has received several Presidential Distinction Awards for both teaching and service. During his time at Texas State he has directed four of the six university vocal ensembles. Under his direction, Texas State Chorale tours internationally with performances throughout much of Europe, South Africa and China and for numerous conferences including the Texas Music Educators Association, the southwest division of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), national ACDA, and the International Kodály Festival.
In addition to his work at Texas State, Dr. Martin has served as the artistic director for the Alamo City Men’s Chorale, chorus director for the Mid-Texas Symphony, and with Craig Hella Johnson as part of the creative team for the Victoria Bach Festival. His scholarly/creative activities span thirty-one of the states and seventeen countries on six continents including much of Europe, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, China, Thailand, Japan, and Brazil. For seventeen years he reveled in sharing the ‘aloha spirit’ of Hawai’i with exceptional young musicians from the mainland through concerts and enrichment activities to foster awareness and understanding of Polynesian cultures.
Service is a priority for Dr. Martin. His service in music ministry spans thirty-five years in positions as choir/handbell director/organist for various churches including Elk City Presbyterian Church (OK), Weatherford United Methodist Church (OK), historic First Protestant Church in New Braunfels (TX), and currently with New Braunfels Presbyterian Church. He served for seven years as the National ACDA Repertoire and Resources Chair for College and University Choirs and with additional service to the National Collegiate Choral Organization. During the summer 2022 conference of the Texas Music Educators Association, Dr. Martin was awarded the Choral Advocacy Award for his commitment to the choral art.
As a pianist, he enjoys collaboration with vocal and instrumental artists in recitals having served as coach/accompanist for diverse artists including vocalists Jennie Olson, Maria Jette, Timothy Jones, Ron Ulen, Daveda Karanas, Soon Cho, Juli Wood, Richard Novak, and Cheryl Parrish as well as trio work with violist Ames Asbell and cellist Karla Hamelin.
Dr. Martin received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting from the University of Texas at Austin where he was recognized as the Outstanding Graduate Student while studying conducting with Craig Hella Johnson. He is a recent graduate of the Harvard School of Education Management Development Program, a member of the Fulbright specialist roster, and served as a mentor for the Texas Academic Leadership Academy. In his spare time, he dreams of culinary school.