Helen Caskie was born in 1930 in Wanganui, New Zealand and educated at the Wanganui Girl's College, Canterbury University College and Otago University, followed by Teacher's Training College. Then followed a busy life of teaching, conducting, broadcasting, adjudicating and marriage. Her compositions have won a number of national awards and she has had children's music published in London. Commissioning opportunities have arisen quite often and have resulted in a cross-section of works for soloists and varying ensemble combinations. Educational music has featured largely in her compositional output and she has enjoyed listening to young people bringing her music to life.

She is patron of the Palmerston North Renaissance Singers and the Manawatu Youth Choir, which she founded and conducted for many years. She is a life member of other various musical organisations, and a Fellow of the Institute of Registered Music Teachers. Helen is now retired after a long teaching career but her music remains a favourite of teachers and performers.