Julia studied Music at Dartington College of Arts followed by MAs at the Universities of Reading and Sheffield. A clarinet and saxophone specialist, Julia also plays the recorder, oboe, flute and viola.

After qualifying as a teacher, Julia worked in primary education as a classroom teacher. Currently, she is a manager for Entrust Music Service Staffordshire, teaches in several schools in North Staffordshire and has her own teaching practice at home in Macclesfield.

Julia is the musical director and conductor of KEMS Macclesfield Concert Band and KEMS Macclesfield Contemporary Ensemble in addition to playing in KEMS Macclesfield Symphony Orchestra.  She is also the joint musical director of the Macclesfield Branch of the Society of Recorder Players.  Until June 2025, Julia was the musical director and conductor of Newcastle-Under-Lyme String Orchestra.

She has appeared with the Beckford String Quartet, KEMS Concert Band and Newcastle Strings as a soloist.  She has an interest in twentieth century music and has explored many pieces from the contemporary flute and clarinet duet repertoire with her duet partner, Tim Ward.

Her most recent projects have been compositions for KEMS Contemporary in collaboration with sculptor and environmental artist. Lorna Green – her pieces have been performed at Manchester Art Gallery, Chester Cathedral and Buxton Fringe Festival and their latest collaboration, Quarry, was showcased at Bollington Festival 2019.

In her spare time, Julia enjoys walking, reading and lepidoptery!