Widely regarded as one of the leading conductors of his generation Michael hails from the rich musical tradition of North Staffordshire and is an Honours and Post-Graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music.
He is Musical Director of Foden’s Band. Having worked with many of the country’s leading bands Michael has a reputation for entertaining concert programming and high standards in competition. He is well known for having transferable skills having won Championship section contests with 10 different bands either in regular working relationships or on a freelance basis. As such he is much in demand both in the UK and abroad.
Michael is also a member of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators and has officiated at numerous Regional Qualifying contests, The National Finals, Butlins Mineworkers Festival and the Swiss Nationals amongst others.
Educational work also forms an important part of Michael’s musical life. He is Course Director of both the Wessex Band Summer School and Fodens Armagh Summer School. As well as returning to the RNCM as a regular guest conductor he undertakes much training work throughout the UK with bands of all levels from championship to youth including being Musical Director of Fodens Youth Band, Associate Conductor and Musical Adviser of Lions Youth Band and Music Adviser to the North East Midlands Brass Band Association Youth Band. He is also a regular guest conductor for school and youth workshops in Leicestershire, Staffordshire and Northern Ireland with both Brass and Wind Bands.
Michael has written articles and reviews for both Brass Band World and British Bandsman, given many premiere performances, conducted concerto appearances of eminent soloists and directed many commercial CDs and broadcasts for both BBC Radio 2 and 3.
