British classical guitarist, composer, and academic Martin Vishnik was initially inspired to pick up the guitar by the rock and blues explosion of the 1960s. However, by the early seventies he developed a strong interest in the classical cannon. The performing and record-making chops he developed in his earlier days fused with this new interest and he became a devoted, and eventually renowned, musical academic. He eventually made his debut as a classical performer in 1981, and would go on to perform in venues throughout the world. He taught guitar at the London Conservatory of Music, and he composed numerous pieces for various theater works and art installations. He has spoken and published academic articles on numerous musical topics including melodic development, the creative process, and various eras of musical history. His extensive discography includes a smattering of live albums, recordings featuring him as a solo artist and as a part of different ensembles, as well as Late Night Classics: Music for Two Guitars, a collaboration with guitarist Sam Piha, that featured adaptations of works by Bizet, Bach, and Vivaldi alongside original work by the duo.