Community & Business
3 March, 2026
Martin passing on the musical baton to students
After a lifetime of playing classical and jazz music at the top level Martin Crook continues his musical journey as he teaches aspiring young musicians the skills of clarinet and saxophone from his Hodgson Vale studio.
There’s not much Martin hasn’t experienced in the world of classical and jazz music.
After studying at the NSW Conservatorium of Music, under Donald Westlake, Gabor Reeves and jazz legend Don Burrows, Martin began casual work in 1975 with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, playing second clarinet and bass clarinet.
In 1976, he was appointed principal clarinet with the Australian Chamber Orchestra for the inaugural Sydney International Piano competition at the Sydney Opera House.
In 1977 he was invited to join the Queensland Theatre Orchestra, a position he held for eight years, appearing as soloist on a regular basis.
In 1985 Martin was offered the position of Associate Principal Clarinet in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and later with the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra.
In 1993 he and his wife, Elizabeth, moved to Toowoomba and remain active in the local music scene.
Martin has for many years been a Woodwind examiner for the AMEB, while also teaching at Toowoomba’s Concordia College.
Students wishing to pursue private lessons can phone him on 0422 611 381.
