Meet Gretchen
Let’s get real. I’m Gretchen Greenfield. And you need to be sure I’m qualified, that I actually do know what I’m doing. Yes, I do — very much so!
For much of my adult life, I was privileged to work as a professional classical singer, performing internationally as a solo artist with major orchestras, opera companies, and oratorio societies, and collaborating with renowned conductors. My career required not only musical artistry, but deep attention to vocal health, technique, and longevity.
If you would like to hear a sample of my singing, you can use this player. The music is an excerpt from Bach’s St. Matthew Passion:
You can hear by the particular sound quality (timbre) of my voice that I am a real contralto. Listen carefully and you will hear the difference in sound color, vocal weight, and in the overall quality of the vocal sound, compared to a soprano voice and compared to a mezzo-soprano voice. How would you describe the sound of the contralto singing voice?
Teaching Singers — Across Genres
Over time, many singers have asked me for private lessons, and teaching has become one of the most meaningful parts of my professional life. I enjoy working with singers across genres, including classical, musical theatre, and contemporary styles, always within the bounds of what I know and can teach responsibly. Singing is uniquely personal, and it’s common for singers to struggle with self-doubt or fear of judgment, especially early on. Thoughtful, respectful voice training helps singers build trust in their voices — and many discover this confidence gradually carries into other areas of life as well.
One of my students in Denmark is a pop singer, who describes my teaching presence as “a wonderful vibe to be around.” I value that kind of feedback, because a singer’s sense of safety and clarity is essential for real progress.
My students personally experience that I am a teacher who cares about YOU!
Professional Work Beyond the Studio
In addition to teaching, I serve as Artistic Consultant for Vocal Artists Management Services, where we represent some 40 young opera singers. It is an honor to support these artists as they navigate the complex demands of professional singing careers.
This work keeps me closely connected to the realities of today’s vocal profession — auditions, repertoire demands, career strategy, and the importance of sustainable vocal technique.
About SingingAndYOU.com
SingingAndYOU.com was created to provide singers with clear, reliable, and responsible information about singing and vocal health. The articles on this site are educational in nature and are personally written by me with care, restraint, and respect for medical boundaries.
Whether you are exploring singing on your own or considering private instruction, my goal is to help you sing better, feel more confident in your voice, and develop the skills and self-trust that allow singing to remain a source of enjoyment throughout your life.
If you want to sing, I want to help — by meeting you where you are and helping you grow with clarity, care, and confidence.
Remember …..
If you’re feeling nervous about singing for a teacher, you’re not alone — almost every singer feels that way at first.
My studio is a judgment-free space where your voice is always going to be understood and appreciated with patience, kindness, and genuine care.
If you’re curious about lessons, or simply want to talk about where you are and what you need, I’d be happy to meet you. And together we’ll help your voice grow with clarity, care, and confidence.
I care deeply about each person who I teach, and I always follow up with my students to make sure everything is good and that you are doing well. My students come first. I would not have it any other way. My pleasure to be of service!