meekins_photography_helen_grimley_1

Helen is fascinated by anything that sings.

Classically trained, she began her musical education from a young age as a clarinettist and saxophonist, and showed promise as an instrumental player, receiving the George Pikler award for clarinet. At university, Helen undertook studies in composition at UNSW under Dr. John Peterson, and became private student of Australian composer Paul Stanhope. She studied mezzo-soprano with renowned singer Nancy Long, and performed as regular member of the professional ensemble The Choir of St James, King Street.

In 2011, Helen completed her studies with First Class Honours and received a University Medal in Music Composition. She was the winner of the annual June and Julian Russel Prize from the University of NSW for an outstanding piece of music. In 2012 she received a Graduate Diploma from the Australian Film and Television Radio School (AFTRS), was recipient of the Australia Council ArtStart Grant in 2013, and winner of the industry recognised 2014 WIFT Screen Music Mentorship award.

Helen has a distinct musical palate influenced by electronica, indie-pop, soul & r&b, and concert music. She has worked as composer on several feature films, short films, dance & theatre, and television, including the indie-horror feature film ‘Red Christmas’, which premiered at The 2016 Sydney Film Festival. She has served as music assistant and written Additional Music for L.A based Australian composer Michael Yezerski (The Black Balloon, House of Hancock, A Place to Call Home, Transformers), and currently lectures at AFTRS.

Her music is good. See for yourself.