Susanne studied music in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System, having the privilege to be taught by great teachers; Bill Hanna, Robert Maddox, and Bill Tritt.   She was a member of the Charlotte Junior Youth Symphony and the Charlotte Youth Symphony.

Susanne has been a member of the Charlotte Repertory Orchestra, now the Charlotte Civic Orchestra since 1988 where she is Co-principal. She also studied for several years with Carol Bjorlie, formerly of the Charlotte Symphony.