Suzanne Godfrey studied at Chethams School of Music, at the Royal Northern College of Music, with Peter Lloyd (principal flute of the LSO 1967-87), with Alain Marion at the Paris Conservatoire, and in masterclasses with James Galway in Switzerland. She launched her career by winning first prize in the British Flute Society's International Young Artist Competition in 1995.

She has performed as soloist with the English Chamber Orchestra at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, with orchestras at the Boston Symphony Hall and New York Lincoln Center, in chamber ensembles at the Wigmore Hall, and been broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM. She has also worked as principal flautist with the Halle Orchestra, and with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, English Northern Philharmonia, Northern Ballet Theatre Orchestra and Performing Arts Orchestra.

The Independent has described her as a "captivating soloist", praising her "breathtaking virtuosity".