Trained in Melbourne on the piano and cello, as well as in music theory and composition under the watchful eye of his Bach loving, German speaking mother, Michell was not sufficiently talented to contemplate a professional career. Instead, he backpacked around India and then returned to Melbourne to study architecture. But architecture did not satisfy, so he relocated to London to pursue his growing fascination with the archaeology and art of South Asia at the School of Oriental African Studes, receiving his PhD there in 1974. Since then, he spent time in India each year, accompanying visitors and carrying out research projects, notably at the ruined imperial city of Hampi Vijayanagara. When Covid-19 put an end to travels, Michell returned to his original passion by assuming the role of musical sleuth, tracking the pervasive influence of Johann Sebastian Bach.
