Lara graduated in music from the University of Sheffield, where she had specialised in composition and violin performance, and had led University orchestras. She was Concerts Manager for the English Sinfonia, and Sales & Marketing Executive for the Boosey & Hawkes, before becoming Graphic Designer with Chamberlain Music in Haslemere. She took her Grade 8 piano at the age of 15 and is a qualified teacher of violin and piano. She is a keen composer with several public performances to her credit.