Michele Walsh graduated from the University of Adelaide in 1974. She was a national winner of the ABC Instrumental and Vocal Competition in 1974 and was subsequently offered solo engagements with the Adelaide and Canberra Symphony Orchestras. In 1975-76, she was leader of the Australian Youth Orchestra, most notably in that orchestra's highly acclaimed tour of the US during the 1976 bicentennial celebrations. Grants from the Australia Council and the South Australia Arts Council enabled further study in London with the distinguished violinist Szymon Goldberg. During this time, Michele performed extensively throughout the UK, Austria and France. In 1977 she returned to Australia and joined the Queensland Symphony Orchestra where she was appointed associate concertmaster. In 1989 she was appointed lecturer in violin at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and Head of the String Department. Michele plays 1st violin in the Brisbane Festival String Quartet which regularly performs in Queensland and New South Wales, and is guest violinist in the University of Queensland Music DepartmentÕs resident contemporary music ensemble Perihelion.