Contralto on a journey You would always say to me "well I don't know what it is that you are wanting to hear?" when I would moan and nit pick my voice to bits, you never doubted me. You were always a positive force and support for my deep love of your art-form. You were a master of your art, demonstrating how you could literally move your voice physically around your body and the practice room, and eventually you taught me to make the piano play with just my voice (no pianist needed). A master of the art you were. We became close friends and I turned to you not just for singing technique but for comfort and emotional support many times over the years and more often than not you would pick up the phone and be there for me, but through your tuition I became quite a diva and we parted company under a dark cloud. Sorry, dear Michael. I should have got in touch but pride and life got in the way. Nobody affected my Life as much as you did, and you do and always will mean a lot to me. I did text you that at some point over the passing years on your birthday but you never replied. Maybe you had changed my number. The song 'Oh divine redeemer' will always mean so much to me and remind me of you and Derek. And you sang it gloriously. My journey began with you and I am sorry that I never got to say goodbye. Take care dear soul till we meet again. xx

Thank you Michael. An extraordinary teacher and larger than life character who taught me so much and gave me the confidence to teach, perform and sing. Rest In Peace. Becky

I have so many memories from across the years of the precious time I have spent with Michael. Life is less colourful now you are no longer with us in the world, and I still find it very hard to believe that you are not there to ring up and talk to. I hear your voice in my head all the time, and I miss you very much. I do though know it was an incredible honour to have spent time with you, it was always joyful, and I am so thankful for that. There are so many words that I could use to describe Michael; kind, caring, inspiring, a true Maestro, genuine, passionate, a supreme talent, funny, a loving family man, heart of gold, mentor etc. However, the words that mean most to me when I think of Michael are, dear dear friend xxx