A graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, Mike has played percussion with the Halle, BBC Philharmonic, BBC Concert and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestras, both in the concert hall and the recording studio. He has premiered works by diverse composers such as Tan Dun, Gordon McPherson, Nicholas Maw and Bill Connor.

As a marimba soloist Mike has performed recitals across the country, including the world premiere of Paul Mitchell-Davidson's marimba concerto "Africana" which was subsequently broadcast on ITV's critically acclaimed arts programme "Celebration".

Other notable performances include the premieres of works by Basil Athanasiadis, Paul Edlin, Tom Armstrong and Graham Lynch as well as performances of Paul Creston's Concertino for Marimba at the Royal Festival Hall,London, and at the Belgian International Marimba Competition and the Linz International Marimba Competition and Festival.

In September 2007, along with virtuoso clarinettist David Campbell, acclaimed composer Paul Max Edlin and award-winning saxophonist and trumpeter Sarah Field, Mike visited Illinois State University as Guest Artist-in-Residence where he premiered works by Matt Wright, Richard Stoker and Zack Zubow.

As a chamber musician, Mike has performed and recorded extensively with the Apollo Saxophone Quartet including the Decca album "First and Foremost".

As a Latin pianist, Mike has  performed with and arranged for Caxixi, Apitos, Salsa Pa'Gozar, vibist Victor Mendoza and conguero Birger Sulsbruck. Mike plays a custom made 5 octave marimba made by Ron Samuels and MARIMBA ONE. 

Check out his website www.mikehamnett.com