She began playing piano at around age 5 and took up her brother's trumpet after he quit, with an interest in becoming a jazz bassoonist.
At the Philadelphia High School for Girls, she learned how to play harp, bassoon, cello, piano, and trumpet.
Folson's professional career began when she was chosen to apprentice with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Zubin Mehta.
[2] She first appeared as a student soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the age of 17.
Her professional accomplishments include: Eileen Folsom was married for 28 years to Jack Folson; they had two children.