Janet Hicks started playing the violin when she was nine years old. She graduated (BMus) from the University of Birmingham, where she also won the Hayward Scholarship for instrumental studies. Her violin teachers included Anne Macnaghten and Ernest Element. Since settling in Hertfordshire in the late 60s Janet has developed an active career embracing both teaching and playing. Significant positions held include: viola in the Macnaghten Quartet; chamber music tutor at North Herts College; founder member of the Phoenix String Quartet, set up specifically to present live music in schools.

Having ceased her work for the Hertfordshire Music Service in 2018, after 51 years, Janet continues to freelance as a player, run string courses at Benslow Music, and lead both Hitchin Symphony Orchestra (a post she has held since 1969) and Letchworth Sinfonia (since 1989).