A native of western Pennsylvania, Susan began piano and violin lessons at the age of eight, studying violin with Oswald DePaul of the Pittsburgh Symphony. Though her six family members all played wind and brass instruments, Susan was drawn to the violin after a visiting teacher demonstrated the unique challenges –and beauty–of stringed instruments.
She attended Denison University in Ohio, where she studied with Frank Bellino and designed her own major in psychology and music.
While her professional career ultimately centered on information technology project management consulting, orchestral performance has remained her artistic passion for more than five decades. She is especially inspired by the Romantic repertoire, with Tchaikovsky holding a special place among her favorite composers.
Before joining the PSO, Susan performed with orchestras in every community she called home, including the Florida West Coast Symphony, Venice Symphony (FL), Brockton Symphony (MA), Newton Symphony (MA), and the New Hampshire Philharmonic. She is an active violinist in the Deep Blue C Studio Orchestra and also enjoys blending violin and vocals with a local ukulele group.
Since retiring in 2019 and settling in Maine, Susan has embraced a full and balanced life, dividing her time between music, pickleball, and volunteer roles at the local hospital and an animal shelter.
