Helen was born in Toowoomba, Queensland – the youngest of an intensely musical family. Helen was steeped in jazz and classical music, participating in vocal groups and studying classical piano from age 6.
Helen began gigging as a bassist at 17 when her mother Peg, a talented jazz pianist, found herself in need of a new bass player- the departing bass player provided one lesson on the electric bass and then it was off to the gig on Saturday night!
While completing a Diploma of Creative Arts (Music) at The University of Southern Queensland, Helen studied both classical and jazz piano, arranging, orchestration and played in a Balinese gamelan orchestra.
After relocating to Brisbane in the late 80s, Helen switched to acoustic bass, since her interest in jazz had turned into a profession as she became a sought-after bassist for local jazz bands.