Inspiring Musical Excellence Through Conducting, Education and Leadership
Marten Visser is an experienced music educator, choral conductor, and vocal specialist with over 20 years of leadership across school, community, and professional music settings. He holds a Bachelor of Music (Vocal Performance and Choral Conducting), together with postgraduate studies in Music Education, Christian Ministry, and Educational Leadership.
His conducting studies have included mentorship with Andrew Wailes (Royal Melbourne Philharmonic), Dr Ian Burk (Australian Catholic University), and Dr Geoffrey Cox (St Patrick's Cathedral). He has also participated in choral masterclasses with internationally respected educators including Dr Rodney Eichenberger, Dr André Thomas (Florida State University), and Associate Professor Carl Crossin OAM (Elder Conservatorium).
As a vocal educator, Marten has trained extensively with Loris Synan (Monash University) and Susan Breen-Clark (University of Melbourne), developing expertise in healthy vocal technique, vocal pedagogy, and performance across classical, music theatre, and contemporary genres.
Marten is currently the Director of Music, Learning Leader – Performing Arts, and Strategic Leader – Artistry at St Margaret's and Berwick Grammar School, where he leads one of Victoria's most comprehensive music and performing arts programs. He also serves as a Chief Assessor for VCE Music Performance (Contemporary) with the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), and regularly presents professional learning for music educators across Victoria.
Prior to this, Marten spent over a decade at Wantirna College as Leader of Performing Arts and Head of Vocal & Choral Studies, where he helped establish one of Victoria's leading government school music programs.
As a conductor, Marten served for more than ten years as Principal Artistic Director of Melbourne's Chime Choir and now continues as Associate Artistic Director. Under his leadership, the choir became recognised for its vibrant performances, community engagement, corporate events, and international touring. A career highlight was conducting and preparing the ensemble for its performance at Carnegie Hall, New York, in partnership with Distinguished Concerts International.
Marten has conducted and music directed numerous productions, including Les Misérables, Hairspray, Matilda, Beauty and the Beast, Shrek, The Wiz, Footloose, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King and many others. He is equally at home working with community choirs, school ensembles, chamber groups, musical theatre productions, and contemporary vocal ensembles, with additional experience as a session singer, voice coach, adjudicator, and guest clinician.
His work has taken him across Australia as a conductor, presenter, adjudicator, and mentor, collaborating with organisations including the Australian Children's Choir, National Institute for Performing Arts Australia (NIPA), schools, festivals, and eisteddfods. In 2025, he was recognised as the Australian Education Awards Department Head of the Year, acknowledging his leadership and contribution to music education.
Marten has served on the committee of the Australian National Association of Teachers of Singing (ANATS), is a mentor conductor with the Australian National Choral Association (ANCA), and is a fully registered teacher with the Victorian Institute of Teaching.
Passionate about both musical excellence and people, Marten believes that the most meaningful music-making happens when strong artistry is combined with genuine community. Whether working with young musicians, adult choirs, or aspiring music educators, he is committed to helping people discover confidence, connection, and joy through music.
2025 Australian Education Awards, Department Head of the Year
Marten, on tour with The Chime Choir, for the 2018 New York Performance Tour
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Marten adjudicating at the Mildura Eistedfodd
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