He attained his FRCO at the age of 17 years and was an Organ Scholar and later Research Fellow of Selwyn College, Cambridge.
Marlow studied with Thurston Dart, writing a doctoral dissertation on the 17th-century virginalist, Giles Farnaby.
The following year Richard Marlow founded the Cambridge University Chamber Choir, which won critical acclaim worldwide for its enterprising and stylish performances.
He disbanded this group in 1989 to devote more time to the recently formed (1982) mixed choir of Trinity College, whose many broadcasts, recordings and foreign tours have established its reputation internationally.
He also conducted, lectured and gave harpsichord and organ recitals in many European countries as well as in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Taiwan and the US.