Biography

‘In Yorkshire-bred Helen Reid there is not only a fearsome technical ability contained within her slight frame, but also an emotional quotient beyond her years….she can immerse herself in any mood without a shred of artifice.'
Ham & High
Review of solo piano recital for the Hampstead and Highgate Festival

As a professional pianist, Helen pursues a busy career teaching and performing around the UK and abroad. Recent appearances have included a centenary performance of Vaughan Williams' Lark Ascending with violinist Jennifer Pike, and a recital at the Dubai Opera House.

Helen Reid first came to public attention when she appeared on BBC2 in the National Keyboard Finals of the BBC Young Musician competition. In 2000 she won first prize in the Karic International Piano Competition.

Helen has given recitals all around in England, at venues including the Wigmore Hall, Purcell Room, Fairfield Halls and Blackheath Halls, London, St. George’s, Bristol, Cheltenham, the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester and the Aldeburgh and Buxton Festivals. She has performed in Spain, Slovakia, Hungary, Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. Performances have included Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.2, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and the world premiere of David Matthews’ Piano Concerto at Dartington International Summer Festival, a work written for Helen.

As a writer, Helen was invited to contribute to the recently published Oxford University Press book, ‘Musicians in the Making.’ She has also written articles for Classical Music magazine and Music Teacher magazine. She has given research seminars at the Guildhall School on ‘The Psychological Impact of Injuries on Musicians’ and ‘Communication in Music Performance.’ Helen was part of the Musical Impact research team, a cross conservatoire study into musicians’ health. 

Helen studied at Chetham’s School, Royal Holloway University and Cologne Music College, completing a Master’s Degree at City University and the Guildhall School of Music. She is currently professor of piano at Bristol University and leads the Professional Studies course at the Guildhall School, as well mentoring on the PG Cert in Performance Teaching course. Helen has been invited to give masterclasses at Wells Cathedral School, Royal Holloway, University of London, Bath Spa University and Dartington Summer School. Future concerts include solo recitals around the UK, as well as performances with the Bristol Ensemble.