Michael Atherton

Michael Atherton

Michael Atherton (born England, 1950) is of Irish, Welsh and German descent. His family migrated to Australia in 1965 and spent two years in Bunnerong Hostel, NSW, where he taught himself to play guitar, formed bands and played football with friends, who were of English, Greek and Italian background. The migrant experience fuelled his curiosity in music linked to place and identity. Following postgraduate research in English literature at the University of NSW, he studied music at the University of Sydney and the University of New England, where he was attracted to ethnomusicology. He played early music in the Renaissance Players (1974-1980); worked as the music therapist (1978-80) with Professor Marie Bashir, her Excellency the Governor of NSW; and played ‘world’ music in Sirocco (1980-6). As founding chair of music at the University of Western Sydney (1993), Atherton built a teaching and research department that focuses on Australian expressions. He is represented by the Australian Music Centre.

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