Considered to be a virtuoso of tremendous influence in the revival of the hammered dulcimer, Walt's wide repertoire ranges from old-time Southern Appalachian, to Celtic, to original compositions. His various musical incarnations, including Bottle Hill, Michael, McCreesh & Campbell and Walt Michael & Co. have taken him from the coal camps of Appalachia to the Closing Ceremonies of the 13th Olympic Winter Games. As a band leader, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist he has recorded fourteen albums, appeared at the Lincoln and Kennedy Centers and toured internationally. His music has been heard on ABC-TV, NBC's Tonight Show, Broadway, BBC, TNN, CBC and PBS. He received a 2016 MD Traditions Apprenticeship Award from the MD State Arts Council as a master hammered dulcimer player. Walt is the Founder, Artistic and Executive Director of Common Ground on the Hill, and the Artist in Residence at McDaniel College.