Martin Watson was educated at the Royal Academy of Music (where he had viola lessons with Max Gilbert), Bretton Hall College where he studied composition with Patric Standford and Duncan Druce, and was also seconded to Goldsmiths College, London to study sound recording and electro-acoustic music, gaining a B.A. in Music and Environmental Studies. He furthered his studies at the University of Leeds, firstly with an M.Mus. in composition and analysis, and later with a PhD in composition, studying with Julian Rushton, David Cooper and Philip Wilby. His doctorate was gained in 2003.

A committed and enthusiastic composer writing orchestral, chamber, solo instrumental, vocal, electro-acoustic music and opera.

The compositional style is direct and honest, with a strong sense of rhythmic drive and development, balancing passages of uncompromising abrasive aggression with moments of solace, beauty and wit. Humanitarianism, war, violence, the human condition and the supernatural are themes which pervade his compositions.

As a musical polyglot, Martin is influenced by most music, primarily 20th Century Eastern European composers such as Stravinsky, Lutoslawski and Shostakovitch. Other influences include medieval music, Varese, lves, rock and world music.