Jean graduated from the Royal College of Music where she studied violin, piano and accompanying.
On completion of her studies she moved to Dorset where she taught music in several local schools. She has recently retired from her post as Head of Music at St. Edwards School in Poole. Since becoming Musical Director for the Bournemouth Gilbert & Sullivan Operatic Society in 1991, she has conducted their concert season and main production each year.
As well as conducting 'Cantabile', she also conducts 'Voice Academy', a children's choir based in Broadstone, and has recently taken over the Bournemouth Youth Choir based in Winton.