Helen English

Associate Professor Helen English is a music sociologist and academic at the University of Newcastle, affiliated with the School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences. Her work bridges musicology, creative ageing, and equity in music education.

• PhD in Musicology (University of Newcastle, 2016)
• Diploma in Music (Guildhall School of Music and Drama)
• Master of Arts (Music) (University of Newcastle)

Helen's research focuses on music's transformative potential for ageing populations and marginalized communities. She leads the creative ageing research program and investigates:

• Music sociology and world-building frameworks
• Music's impact on cognitive and social wellbeing
• Equity in access to music education
• Gender dynamics in music technology education

Her 15 most recent publications explore:

• Community music-making for older adults (2025)
• Modular composition techniques (2025)
• Gender barriers in tertiary music programs (2024)
• Historical music practices in colonial Australia (2019)

Scientific contributions include:

• National Council of Women Musicology Award (PhD)
• ARC DECRA Fellowship (2022-2024) for 'Creative Ageing through Transformative Engagement with Music'
• Dementia Australia Project Grant (2022-2024) for creative arts programs

She supervises 12 postgraduate researchers and collaborates with:

• Prof Frini Karayanidis (University of Newcastle, Psychology)
• Prof Jane Davidson & Prof Felicity Baker (University of Melbourne, Music Therapy)
• International partners at Universities of Leeds, Queensland, and Griffith

Key partnerships include:

• Aged-care providers: NovaCare, Uniting Care, Maroba, Whiddon Care
• Lake Macquarie Museum of Art and Culture
• Arts in Care Homes movement (UK partnership)