Brett Hirst completed his Diploma of jazz studies at the Christchurch School of Jazz with a double major in Performance and Arranging & Composition. Brett's success culminated in his receiving a scholarship to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. During his time in New Zealand Brett was invited to perform with several American artists of international renown such as Mark Levine, Harvey Weinapel, Gordon Brisker and Bruce Paulson.

Since moving to Sydney in 1998, Brett has completed a year of post graduate study at the Sydney conservatorium while also maintaining a rigorous schedule of local performance, national and international tours, and recording with some of Australia's, and the world's most highly acclaimed musicians. Brett's ability to play creative bass over a wide range of styles has lead to him becoming one of the most sought after bass players in the Australian jazz scene. In 2001 he qualified as one of 10 national finalists at the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz National Jazz Awards Bass Competition.

Brett performs on guitar sensation James Muller's ARIA nominated album "Thrum", and has recently recorded albums with both the Mike Nock Trio and Vince Jones. He is also to be heard on Nick McBride's "Bandika" and "Rectangle". Other recording credits include Katie Noonan, E.O.N "the great indoors", Sean Wayland's "99" and "South Pacific Soul", Virna Sanzoni, Dale Barlow, Very Interactive Band, Dave Goodman, Sam Keevers, Neilson Gough, The New Music Congress, Gerard Masters Trio, Reuben Derrick, as well as several movie soundtracks and commercial sessions.

He currently maintains a busy schedule as a member of the Sandy Evans Trio, the Vince Jones Band, the Mike Nock Trio and Big Band, Phil Slater's Very Interactive Band, the James Muller Quartet, Scott Tinkler's “Drub” Nick McBride's Rectangle, Toaster, The Roger Manins Group, Heavy Weather, pop rock band “Lior”, Reuben Derrick Group and Sam Keevers' Red Fish Blue.

Other performance credits include Shelia Jordon(US), Adam Nussbaum(US), Peter Omara, Mark Isaacs, Alistair Spence trio, Barney McCall, Lily Dior, Cathy Harley and Mark de Clive Lowe. Brett was a member of the Cathy Harley Trio that backed visiting American saxophonist Ricky Ford (ex Mingus band).