Helen grew up in Harrow and started playing the piano at the age of 6 and the flute at 11. She attended North London Collegiate School where she learned flute and piano and was a member of the school orchestra and choir. One of her most memorable experiences from her school days was singing in the school choir as part of the Bach Choir’s Easter performances of Bach’s St Matthew Passion at the Royal Festival Hall. Helen attended the Royal College of Music Junior Department, enjoying the music on offer, including performing in the choirs at the Royal Albert Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall.

After leaving school, Helen went to Leeds to train as a teacher, specialising in music. Since qualifying she has had a variety of teaching jobs, including private flute and piano teaching. She joined the Harrow Symphony Orchestra after leaving college. Later Helen continued her flute studies and had lessons with David Butt, and she performed a Vivaldi Flute Concerto with the orchestra.

A few years ago, she took a very late gap year, travelling with her husband around the world and then returned to resume teaching and start a family. They have two daughters, an eight year old budding violinist and a six year old beginner cellist.  Helen re-joined HSO 2 years ago when her children let go of the apron strings and picked up the musical ones. Helen now teaches music at her children’s infant school and enjoys her flute playing; especially flute duets, quintets and playing with her children.