Ursula began her violin lessons in Christchurch, and played in numerous chamber groups and orchestras of the then CSIM (Christchurch School of Instrumental Music). She was a finalist in the National Secondary Schools Chamber Music Competition, and of the National Concerto Competition (1982).

After completing a BA and Dip.Mus, Ursula was awarded a DAAD Scholarship for post-graduate study in Germany, where she studied at the Hochschule für Musik in Cologne with Professor Igor Ozim.

While in Germany she attended summer schools and masterclasses, played a lot of chamber music, and was a member of the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie.

In 1987 she became Sub-Principal of the Second Violins of the Essen Philharmonic Orchestra, Germany.
Three years later Ursula returned to the NZSO to join the First Violin section. Since then she has been active as a chamber musician and teacher.

With an NZSO Study Bursary in 2003, she went with her family to London to spend a year studying at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.