Helen Russell

Helen Russell is a Lecturer in Contemporary Music at the University of Southern Queensland's School of Creative Arts. She holds a BMusic from JMI (2012) and a MMusic from Griffith University (2016). Her research focuses on improvisation pedagogy, aural training, and jazz education. She has presented at conferences such as the Australasian Jazz and Improvisation Research Network and the Australian Society for Music Education.

Her work integrates performance and education, emphasizing collaborative methods and aural skills development. Notable outputs include studies on classroom improvisation and a cappella ear training. Russell is an active musician, performing as a bassist, vocalist, and arranger in Brisbane's jazz scene. She has collaborated with artists like Louise Denson and contributed to albums such as Nova Nova and Dark Sky.

Professional affiliations include membership in the Musicological Society of Australia. Her teaching spans pop music history, music theory, and jazz performance, reflecting her commitment to bridging traditional and contemporary practices.