Widely regarded as one of the leading conductors of his generation Michael was born in Stoke-on-Trent and his early musical education came from the peripatetic service of North Staffordshire. During this time he was a member of many of the County’s ensembles , culminating in him holding the position of Principal trombone of both the County Youth Brass Band and Orchestra . Upon leaving the area he was awarded the Staffordshire Music Dept. Harry Mortimer Award for his contribution to brass playing and the Staffs. County Council Young Achievers Award.

In 1990 Michael began his Degree studies at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester . It was at this time that he began to work as a freelance trombonist playing in “pit” bands for musical productions in theatres – work that he still undertakes today . It was also around this time that he joined the trombone section of the Britannia Building Society (Fodens) Band with whom he spent 5 “very happy and musically rewarding years”.
 
Michael graduated from the RNCM with an Honours Degree and was presented with the Harry Mortimer Outstanding Brass Student Award. Following graduation he continued his studies with Howard Snell and gained a postgraduate Diploma in Band Direction. At this time the college invited Michael to become a Junior Fellow, a position he held for 2 years, working as a conductor with the Brass Band, Brass Ensembles and within the Opera Department. He also assisted with the administration of the Wind and Percussion department and was the administrator of the highly successful RNCM Brass Day event on 2 occasions.  He was then appointed to the post of Resident Conductor of the Brass Band, combining this with his other college roles until 2000.

 Michael’s conducting career began in 1995 when he became Musical Director of the Point of Ayr Band from North Wales. During his five-year tenure the band enjoyed what is arguably their most successful period, becoming Welsh Area Champions twice, winning many entertainment contests and in 1998 representing Wales in the European Championships, gaining Third Prize.

Further success followed with his appointment as Musical Director of the BT Band. The complete rebuild from 10 players led to the band firmly establishing itself in the top five bands in the North West Area. Contest wins came at the Test Piece section of the Butlins Mineworkers Championships in 2005 and as “Brass at the Guild” champions in 2007. They also enjoyed much success at the Whit Friday Marches and were placed within the top five bands at the Tameside contests for four consecutive years from 2005. At this time Michael also worked with the Leyland Band as Associate Conductor notably assisting with the preparation for their win at the 2003 All England Masters.

Another Musical Directorship held by Michael has enabled him to focus on another aspect of music which is very important to him, that of the encouragement of the next generation of young musicians. The Ratby Co-Operative band from Leicestershire is an organisation which boasts around 140 players spread across 5 bands from beginners to a championship section senior band. As MD of the organisation Michael oversees all aspects of its artistic development paying particular attention to the movement of players between the bands. As conductor of the senior band Michael was very proud when, in 2008, he conducted the bands first ever championship section contest victory at the Leicestershire Brass Band Association contest.

Indeed, educational work forms an important part of Michael’s musical life. He has been Trombone Tutor to the Wessex Band Summer School since 1990 and a member of the conducting team since 1994. He has been a regular visitor to the ensembles of the Barnsley Performing Arts Department and has also delivered staff training on conducting for that Service. Since 2002 he has been the visiting guest conductor for the residential courses of Endon High School in Staffordshire and 2009 has seen him forge a relationship with the music department of Groby College and its feeder schools in Leicestershire as part of an ongoing programme of training days.

As well as Musical Directorships Michael has undertaken much Professional Conductor work with many bands including Tredegar and Scottish Co-Op who he conducted to victory at the 2008 Scottish Open. Indeed he has enjoyed contest success with every band he has worked with on a regular basis! In addition to his contest reputation he is highly regarded for his concert presentation and has freelanced with many of the country’s leading bands including the Fairey Band and Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band. He also undertakes much training work with bands in every section from championship to youth level.

Once described as “One of the leading young interpreters of modern brass styles” (Brass Band World Magazine)   Michael has packed much experience into his career so far, having conducted at International Festivals, recorded for both BBC Radio 2 + 3, recorded many commercial CD’s, directed Premieres and conducted Concerto appearances of eminent soloists including Joseph Alessi (New York Philharmonic), Ronald Barron (Boston Symphony), Andrew Berryman (Halle) and Shoichiro Hokazano. His skills of accompaniment are held in high regard and in 2007 he conducted the Concerto final of the Soloist competition of the European Brass Band Championships to critical acclaim. Michael has also worked as a writer and reviewer for both British Bandsman and Brass Band World magazine.

In addition to his work with Ratby Co-Operative Band 2009 has seen Michael delighted to accept 2 major appointments. Firstly to become Professional Musical Director of the Co-operative Funeralcare Band (formerly Scottish Co-Op) and secondly, in somewhat of a musical full circle, to become Associate Conductor of Fodens Band.