Thomas Martin is one of the world's best-known bassists who studied in America under Harold Roberts, Oscar Zimmerman, and Roger Scott. He has held prominent positions with the Buffalo Philharmonic and Israel Philharmonic Orchestras, as well as Principal bassist with l'Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, The Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields, the English Chamber Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra.

Recently, Martin has focused on solo performances, appearing in recitals and concertos globally. His recordings of Giovanni Bottesini's music have received critical acclaim.

He served as a senior professor of double bass at the Guildhall School of Music and the Royal College of Music in London. Additionally, he studied violin making with Andrew Dipper and created 166 double basses before founding Thomas and George Martin Violin Makers with his son in 2008.