Michael was born In Derry, Northern Ireland and, from an early age, he developed a passion for music, learning the violin and piano and singing in choirs. Being exposed to the instrumental and choral music of the great composers drove him to pursue a career as a musician and to eventually become a composer himself.

Initially opting to focus on violin playing, Michael received some of the finest training available, learning from the Brodsky and Medici String Quartets, as well as winning a scholarship to the internationally-acclaimed Apple Hill Summer School in New Hampshire, USA. These experiences were key to the evolution of his own musical language, and soon after returning from the USA he began to compose.

In 2008, Michael graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music with first class honours and became an SPNM Shortlisted composer for his concert work. Upon graduating, he embarked upon an apprenticeship with the Oscar-winning composer Gabriel Yared, working on film and radio projects and honing his talent in screen composition.

In 2009, he orchestrated and arranged for Australian guitarist James Collins’ debut album, The Way You Look Tonight, now an exciting commercial release in Australia. He continues to collaborate with James on a follow up album due for release in 2012.

Michael continues to receive a large number of commissions from leading artists in the UK and beyond, as well as orchestrating for studios in Australia and Spain, where he collaborates with award-winning composer Joan Valent. This collaboration has led to their scoring of the critically acclaimed film How Much Does Your Building Weigh, Mr. Foster? (2010) and the exciting new release of Alex de la Iglesia’s La Chispa De La Vida.