Those born in the ’60s might probably remember passing time by listening to records – over and over just so they could catch every line of Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling In Love.
For Martin Lee, he certainly understands the joy of music. He spent hours listening to vinyl records and scribbling down the hits of rock and roll legends like Elvis Presley and The Rolling Stones.
Inspired by a neighbour who sold him a guitar for just $10, Martin eagerly plunged into the world of music with his friends, and together they formed the band D’Nuclears.
With Martin as the lead guitarist, they played a vibrant mix of English oldies — like the Bee Gees and Elvis Presley — alongside popular Chinese hits. Even though they played to no one but themselves, the joy of their jam sessions made it all worthwhile.
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When it came to finding full-time employment, Martin took the practical route, letting his passion for music fade into the background.
He signed on with the Singapore Air Force, before moving into the typewriter industry, where he stayed for 13 years.
The senior tried entrepreneurship as a stint when he opened a company trading metal scrap and hardware materials but closed it after two years before turning to the optics industry, where he stayed until he was 60. He subsequently moved to China for two years, working for a Chinese company in Changchun until his retirement.
Second life for his joy of music
With free time and decent retirement savings, Martin decided to go back to his first love — music. He took up gigs teaching music and also started a business on Carousell selling second-hand instruments.
Leveraging on his connections in the music industry, Martin linked up with old connections to source quality second-hand instruments and equipment. These items are gathered, repaired, and serviced before being listed for sale on his Carousell page, ensuring that buyers receive well-maintained products.
Martin keeps all his equipment at the Work+Store in Aljunied, a self-storage facility. It is well situated between the community centre where he teaches at and his home. More importantly, he enjoys the warmth of the community here, facilitated by its extra amenities like a shared event hall.
On weekends, he even plays his instruments in the shared event hall, with the knowledge that he won’t disturb the other tenants.
Challenges of teaching music
In addition to selling musical equipment, Martin is passionate about sharing his love for music with his community. He currently teaches a group of elderly students at Cairnhill Community Centre, guiding them in learning to play the ukulele, guitar, as well as offering singing lessons. For students who prefer one-to-one lessons, Martin also offers lessons at his home.
Despite his enthusiasm, Martin acknowledges the challenges that come with teaching.
Nevertheless, his passion for music and teaching helps him push through these difficulties.
"I truly enjoy teaching and interacting with people. If there are students who are interested, I’m more than willing to transfer my knowledge of music to them. Even if there are difficulties, the joy I feel when teaching tides me over."
The joy of music
Martin likes the similarities he observes between teaching and the sense of community he experienced growing up in a kampong.
