From Student to Acclaimed Songwriter – Helen Shanahan’s Full Circle Journey
When Helen Shanahan (2005) was a student at Santa Maria College, the Music Department was more than just a place to rehearse; it was a sanctuary, a safe space where an anxious teenager could find connection, creativity, and confidence through the power of song.
Now an accomplished singer-songwriter, Helen has come full circle, returning to Santa Maria as a music tutor to inspire the next generation of young musicians. Although currently on leave, we hope to have Helen back in the classroom soon, sharing her passion with students once again. Her story is one of passion, perseverance, and the power of staying true to your voice.
From Santa Maria to the World Stage
Since graduating from Santa Maria, Helen has forged a remarkable music career. She completed a degree in voice at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and released her first EP Driftwood in 2012. The title track was nominated in the WA Music Industry’s ‘Song of the Year’ competition.
In 2013, Helen won the national Telstra Road to Discovery competition, which took her from Melbourne’s Forum Theatre to the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Canadian Music Week, the Americana Festival in Nashville and even a performance at New York’s iconic bar, The Bitter End.
She went on to support artists including Passenger, Missy Higgins, Matt Corby, and Tim Minchin and release music through Mushroom Music Publishing. Her debut album, Every Little Thing (2017), and her sophomore album, Canvas, are available on all major streaming platforms.
In 2018, she won WAM’s ‘Song of the Year’ for I Only Hide and released the single Unborn in 2019, which tackles the timely issue of climate change.
Finding Her Voice at Santa Maria
As a student, Helen threw herself into all things music.
“Music was one of my favourite pastimes at Santa Maria. I was an active member of the choirs and chorale, and I took part in the 2005 musical Anything Goes. The Music Department was a place where we could forget about assignment stresses and just immerse ourselves in the songs we were playing and singing.”
It was here that Helen began guitar lessons in Year 5, something that would quietly shape her future as a songwriter. With encouragement from her dad and guitar teacher Leslie Van Ryan, she began exploring the magic of playing and singing her own songs.
“Leslie brought in tapes for me to take home and introduced me to Kasey Chambers, who became a big inspiration. I learned to sing and play in those lessons, and I’m so grateful to her.”
A Quiet Confidence Takes Root
Though self-belief didn’t come easily, Helen remembers the gentle encouragement of her peers and teachers, especially Head of Music, Paul Kinsella.
“He gave me so many opportunities to perform, even once in front of the whole school, although I was behind a curtain due to nerves!”
While she didn’t yet imagine a future in music, the support and space to ‘try things out’ became the foundation for a career that would later flourish.
From Anxiety to Authenticity
In her later school years, Helen experienced anxiety, something that, though difficult, became a creative catalyst.
“It was through those feelings that I started writing in a journal and turning thoughts into songs. Funnily enough, if I hadn’t experienced those emotions, I might never have started songwriting.”
That honesty remains at the heart of Helen’s music today. Her lyrics are raw, emotional and resonate deeply with audiences.
“I write about everyday life. Songwriting is cathartic, it helps me process things and live my truth. I’ve found the more I tune into my authentic feelings, the more healing it is, for me and for others.”
Giving Back as a Music Tutor
Returning to Santa Maria as a music tutor was, for Helen, a “beautiful full circle moment.”
“It was so special to work with the girls. I felt a real responsibility to help foster their love for music, the way my teachers did for me. And I learnt so much from them in return.”
“Every Santa girl I have taught is so unique. It really was a special time for me, and I’m grateful to Paul Kinsella for giving me that opportunity.”
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Creatives
Helen knows that a creative career is not always easy, but it is deeply rewarding for those who stay true to their path.
“Don’t give up. The industry can be brutal, but if you stick to your convictions, the right people will come into your life. Celebrate what makes you unique.”
Helen continues to support the local music scene in Perth through the Songwriters Café, a monthly event she hosts at Moore & Moore in Fremantle. In a heart-warming continuation of the Santa Maria legacy, one of the artists joining Helen next month is Clare Perrott from the Class of 2021.
Empowering Young Women Through Music
Helen’s journey reminds us of the power of self-expression and the strength that comes from embracing who we truly are. Her story is a testament to the impact of supportive teachers, inclusive spaces, and the courage to follow your passion.
- AlumniSpotlight, CreativeCareers, Featured, HelenShanahan, InspirationalAlumni, MusicEducation, SantaMariaAlumni, SongwritingJourney, WAAPAGraduate, WomenInMusic
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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