Martin born in England and attended the Royal College of Music, London studying under the Danish violinist Henry Holst.  After graduating from the Royal College he became a founder member of the Edinburgh String Quartet performing in Europe and at a number of Edinburgh Festivals.  In 1960 he was appointed Co-Principal viola with the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra under violinist Szymon Goldberg.  Christopher played in orchestras under conductors such as Sir George Solti, Leonard Bernstein, Carlo Mario Guilini, Andre Previn and others.  Before coming to Australia he travelled extensively in Britain, Europe and the USA as a chamber music player.  In 1972 he was appointed Senior Lecturer in violin and viola in the Faculty of Music, The University of Melbourne, where he also conducted both string and symphony orchestras.  He retired from this position in 1996. 
He has always been actively involved in music in the community, conducting and tutoring at youth music camps and accepting invitations to conduct performances by community orchestras.  Since 1993 Christopher Martin has conducted the Australian Doctors Orchestra and at its 10th annual concert he was made Honorary Conductor for Life.  In 2003 the Australian String Teachers Association recognised his work in many areas of music and presented him with an Achievement Award.
Christopher Martin has been associated with The Chamber Strings of Melbourne since 1983, having conducted the orchestra on a number of overseas tours.  He is an Honorary Life Member of The Chamber Strings of Melbourne.  In January 2005 Christopher Martin conducted The Chamber Strings of Melbourne on its outstanding performance tour to Russia, Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Holland.  In January 2007 he will be conducting The Chamber Strings of Melbourne on its European Tour to Poland, Greece, France and Italy.