Less than a year after obtaining her Bachelor of Music Performance at the Western Australian Conservatorium of Music with Leanne Glover (Principal Cor Anglais of the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra –  WASO), Carolyn won a Swiss Government Scholarship in 1997 through which she pursued postgraduate studies in Switzerland. There she lived, worked and studied for five years. A highlight during her time as a freelancer took place when she won a temporary contract in the Berner Symphonie-Orchester and worked alongside Adam Halicki, performing both in the concert hall as well as for opera.

 

Before coming to Singapore, Carolyn had several opportunities to perform solo with orchestra, of which works included the Mozart Oboe Concerto, Strauss Oboe Concerto and Concertino Op. 110 by Kalliwoda.