Michael began drumming in Scotland at eight years old and gained many awards as lead drummer with the Craigmount High School Pipe Band, which won several Juvenile Grade World Championships.

He later studied under Jim Kilpatrick as a member of both the grade 1 Polkemmett Grorud and world famous Shotts and Dykhead Caledonia drum sections; which during his tenure won three World Championship drum corps titles.

Michael immigrated to Canada in 1993 and eventually became the lead drummer of the 78th Fraser Highlanders, which he ran from 1997 to 2002. During this time, he helped the band capture numerous drum corps titles and in 1998, they won best drum corps in the medley circle at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow.

Michael has won several Open Solo Drumming titles including the Canadian, United States and Harrison Invitational competitions. He has taught drumming throughout North America, has performed on several CD’s and is also a regular judge on the Ontario pipe band circuit.