Martin Beaver is one of the most distinguished violinists of his generation. Born in Hamilton, Canada in 1967, he began violin lessons at age four and went on to study with some of the greatest violin pedagogues of the 20th century, including Victor Danchenko, Henryk Szeryng, and Josef Gingold.

From 2002 to 2013, Beaver served as first violinist of the legendary Tokyo String Quartet, performing on the historic 1727 "Paganini-Comte Cozio di Salabue" Stradivarius violin on loan from the Nippon Music Foundation. During his tenure, the Quartet continued its tradition of excellence, touring extensively and recording for major labels.

In 2013, he co-founded the acclaimed Montrose Trio with pianist Jon Kimura Parker and cellist Clive Greensmith. The trio has since established itself as one of the preeminent piano trios performing today.

As a soloist, Beaver has appeared with leading orchestras throughout North America and Europe. His competition successes include prizes at the Queen Elisabeth Competition, the Montreal International Music Competition, and the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis.

A dedicated educator, Beaver has taught at the Royal Conservatory of Music, the Peabody Conservatory, and Yale School of Music. He currently serves as Professor of Violin and Co-Director of Chamber Music at the Colburn School in Los Angeles.

At Music Academy of the West, Beaver shares his deep knowledge of chamber music and solo repertoire with the next generation of exceptional musicians.