BACKGROUND

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Michelle's musical journey is very much shaped by growing up in a family of musicians. Her dad was a drummer and uncles were classical musicians, so music was simply part of the fabric of everyday life. That early exposure gave Michelle a deep love for sound and creativity, but it was her own ability to play by ear that really set her on her own path.

 

At just 11 years old, Michelle was invited to join the North Ayrshire Choir, which opened the door to a whole new world of discovery and self‑expression. From those early choir days, Michelle's musical adventure has taken her to stages and venues across the country.

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Michelle went on to train vocally with Lorraine Handling, achieving her grades with distinction. www.lorrainehandling.co.uk

 

In 2018, Michelle released her first instrumental album, Dìleas, which captured the heart of her musical journey up to that point. Three years later, during the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival in 2021, Michelle released Selah—a deeply personal project shaped by her own experiences and reflections.

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SESSION WORK

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Michelle's musical life isn’t just about solo projects; it’s also about the people and connections made along the way. As a session musician, Michelle has contributed to a range of albums and events. Notably, Michelle worked on the RAMH North Ayrshire Wellbeing & Recovery College singles Happy Days and I’m Free, bringing her own style and emotion to each track.

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DRUM CIRCLE

Michelle's Drum Circle facilitation work has gained international recognition. In 2024, she was invited—alongside Drum 4UR Life—to present at a major European drum circle facilitation conference in Madrid. There, she shared insights from her community practice in Scotland, as well as personal reflections on the power of facilitation. In 2025, Michelle continued this international journey by contributing to a global gathering of facilitators in South Carolina, strengthening her connection to the worldwide facilitation community.

 

Michelle is a certified Global Facilitator with Village Music Circles—an internationally recognised standard of excellence in Drum Circle Facilitation. This certification is awarded to facilitators who demonstrate high‑level competencies, strong community‑building values, and consistent reflective practice. 

 

In 2025, Michelle was endorsed as a REMO Facilitator, recognising the professionalism and quality she brings to both performance and participatory practice.

 

In December 2025, Michelle was accredited as a recognised Drum Circle Facilitator within the Drum Circle Facilitators Guild.

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COMMUNITY WORK

 

Michelle has been an active community musician since 2017, taking part in a wide range of projects across Ayrshire and the surrounding areas. Michelle has completed various training programmes to support her work within community settings, including::

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VMC - Certified Drum Circle Facilitator

Endorsed REMO Facilitator

Accredited DCFG Drum Circle Facilitator

Emergency First Aid

Mental Health First Aider

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills - Trained

Mental health and Wellbeing Award

 WRAP – Wellness Recovery Action Plan 

Rhythm 2 Recovery

BA (Hons) Performance - Pending