Janet Simpson studied piano and harpsichord at the Royal College of Music in London with Cyril Smith and Millicent Silver, winning several prizes as an accompanist and in chamber music, including a Royal Overseas League Award. In 1976 she was invited to join the Hallé Orchestra as principal keyboard player. She has performed as a soloist with the Hallé on many occasions and has given recitals throughout Britain, including appearances at the Perth and Harrogate Festivals and overseas in Hog Kong and Singapore.

Janet enjoys playing contemporary music and with the Goldberg Ensemble has given two British premieres, including that of Stanley Skrowaczewski's Fantasie per Sei. She performs in an oboe /piano duo with her husband Richard, and is also a member of the Bartholdy Trio.