Michael Carleton was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He studied piano at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music in Glasgow and at the Royal Manchester College of Music. Since 1974 he has been working in Germany as a music teacher and pianist. He accompanied well-known singers such as Brigette Lebaan (tour), Chris Kempers Musicals, Deborah Sasson (musicals / opera / operetta), Marianne Rogée (Schansons / cabaret), Peter Thomas Heydrick (Schansons / Leider)