Born in Darlington, Hayley Jenkins began her musical career as a flautist playing in the district wind band and later learnt clarinet and saxophone.  Hayley studied music at York St John University at undergraduate level, MA Music Composition and is currently undertaking a PhD by Composition Portfolio at the University of Edinburgh. Hayley is a Lecturer of Music at the University of Sunderland, visiting lecturer at York St John and the University of Edinburgh.

In addition to her work at Sunderland, Hayley is a freelance contemporary composer and conductor.  As a composer, her work has been featured in the Late Music concert series, performed by a range of performers such as Payee Chen (soprano) and Kate Ledger (piano), the Delta Saxophone Quartet, Streetwise Opera, Duncan Honeybourne, Soon Amore, Albany Trio and Berkley Ensemble. New projects include a commission for Plus Minus Ensemble and Chris Caldwell and Suzy Hodder Williams as well as a Heritage Lottery Funded Project called Be the Sea collaborating with visual artist Louise MacKenzie.  Hayley's work explores miniature and narrative forms, drawing influence from nature, art, literature and different cultures but most notably words and experiences which draw upon everyday life.