Hailing from Shetland, Jenna grew up immersed in the islands rich fiddle tradition. At the age of nine, she began to learn the fiddle, and was taught by the late Dr Tom Anderson.

When fiddle tuition became available in schools, Jenna studied with the late Willie Hunter and was under his direction until the age of 13; during that time she was a prominent prize-winner in the 'Shetlands Young Fiddler of the Year Competition' and by the age of 14 had won both the intermediate and open sections of this annual competition. Through this success she was subsequently invited to compete in the Glennfiddich Fiddle Competition. Whilst still at school Jenna also took lessons from Trevor Hunter and Margaret Scollay. In addition to playing the fiddle, Jenna also studied classical piano.

On leaving school, Jenna went on to study a BA in Traditional Scottish Music at the Royal Academy of Music & Drama in Glasgow. Whilst studying fiddle, she also played piano and piano accordion, as well as being introduced to singing.