While Susan attended Chico State, her main focus of study was with the Opera Workshop, under the direction of Dr. Gwen Curatillo. She was also equally active in the Chamber Singe​rs and A Cappella Choir, which were conducted by the gifted Dr. Sharon Paul. Susan performed in the opera "Carmen", the yearly Opera Galas, and each annual Opera Ball headed by the Bravo Association. She did solo performances backed by the A Cappella Choir and toured with them throughout Europe in 1990. The CSU Chico Choir performed a musical piece specially written for this tour, by composer Kirk Meecham, entitled "Island in Space". The Choir and Chamber Singers also sang other sacred and contemporary compositions. During this trip the choir met in Estonia with the Choirs from UC Berkeley and UC Davis. There, they collaborated with the Estonian Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra in performing Haydn's’"Creation", directed by Eri Klass. They performed in Estonia, Germany, Poland, Russia, Finland, and the Ukraine.

Since her College Graduation Susan has continued to perform and study. She has worked as a studio and session musician in Chico at Cloud 9 Recording Studio. She has worked with Grammy nominee David Grow. She has also sung and recorded with Brent Bougoise, at Moon Recording Studio in Sacramento, CA.

Susan has written and recorded songs for Missions outreaches in the Philippines, Australia, and the Netherlands. She has been active in leading worship at various churches over the last 35 years. She's also studied and sung with acclaimed Mezzo Soprano Jeanette Blakeney. Susan has performed her original music for large audiences on the same billings with Elvin Bishop, Dr. Hook, and the Earl Scruggs Band. Since moving to the San Diego area, Susan was Choir Director for the Ocean Knoll Elementary School, spearheaded the local YMCA Music Program, and taught throughout the entire North County San Diego area.

Susan continues her goal of sharing the gift of song and music with all of her students and colleagues. She hopes to continue to give her talents as an instructor, performer, composer and recording artist to the entire community. Susan gives honor to all of her teachers, especially Anita Lee Mixson, as well as Beth Freeman (University of Nevada Reno), Ulyses Solano (prominent Costa Rican tenor), composer/teacher Dr. William Ramsey, Dr. Sharon Paul (conductor), and Dramatic Soprano Opera Singer, Alla Markovich. She also gives special thanks to fellow singer and friend Jeanette Blakeney, sharing her Opera career worldwide. Susan still learns, studies, writes, records and performs many genres of music, which enables her to offer her students the best possible training.