New Zealand born Sarah gained a B.Mus at Auckland University, NZ before travelling to study on the UK, where she gained a Masters with distinction in performance at Trinity College of Music, London. Tutors were Mark David, Ian Balmain, Robert Farley and Iaan Wilson.

Whilst in London Sarah freelanced with the Royal Opera House Orchestra, English National Ballet, London Concert Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony, Scottish Opera, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the New Queens Hall Orchestra .

Sarah was appointed Associate Principal trumpet with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, New Zealand in 2004 and acted as Principal trumpet in 2008 and 2009, then being appointed as Associate Principal trumpet of the Auckland Philharmonia in mid 2009. Sarah was Principal Trumpet of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and has also worked with and played as guest principal trumpet with the Melbourne Symphony, New Zealand Symphony and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras.

Whilst in New Zealand Sarah lectured trumpet at Auckland and Canterbury Universities, and, after a long tenure as Lecturer in Trumpet, is now Head of Brass at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University.