Doris Lardner was born in London on 27 November 1886. From 1903 to 1906, she studied music at the Royal College of Music in London, receiving an A.R.C.M. and L.R.A.M., both for piano teaching. She emigrated to South Africa in 1907 and taught for some years at schools in the Cape.

In 1917 she joined the staff of the South African College of Music. In 1923, she was promoted to senior lecturer, which post she held until her retirement in 1947. After her retirement she continued to teach piano and be involved in the musical life of Cape Town, including the Cape Town Eisteddfod.

In recognition of her work, she was awarded Honorary Membership of the Royal College of Music in 1984.

She was married to Frank William Lardner and they had two children, Arthur and Joyce Mary (now Storr).