Macpherson was originally a student member of the Perth University Choral Society (PUCS) from 1972 to 1978.
During this time, he performed a number of roles including president and assistant conductor of PUCS and also Australian Intervarsity Choral Societies Association treasurer.
Macpherson was the conductor of the Sydney University Musical Society (SUMS) for 23 years until his retirement in May 2006.
His final concert with SUMS was a production of Felix Mendelssohn's Elijah performed in collaboration with the Sydney University Symphony Orchestra.
Macpherson conducted the choir in ventures such as Carl Orff's Carmina Burana, Rachmaninoff's Vespers, Giacomo Puccini's Messa de Gloria, Mozart's Große Messe, Hector Berlioz's Te Deum, Anton Bruckner's Te Deum, and nearly half of SUMS' 49 Annual Festival of Carols (Carolfest).