Clare Rachel Greener - York, North Yorkshire

Clare Rachel Greener is an experienced soprano soloist and teacher of all musical styles and genres, currently living in Huby, just north of York. Having sung in church choirs since the age of seven, Rachel has performed a variety of classical and contemporary solo roles, and has extensive experience in ensemble singing, opera, and musical theatre.

Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, Rachel's musical career began in St Margaret's Church, Buxted, East Sussex, in 1990. At the age of 11, Rachel was accepted into St Dunstan's Parish Church Choir, Mayfield, where she trained as a chorister under the instruction of Kenneth Pont (also Director of Music at St Leonards-Mayfield School and conductor of Mayfield Festival Chorus). As a chorister at St Dunstan's, Rachel recorded several services for BBC radio.

Whilst studying at St Leonards-Mayfield School, Rachel was appointed head of Lower School Choir at the age of 12, and toured France, aged 16, as the soprano soloist in Neufchâtel-en-Bray (Rutter’s Gloria), Rouen Cathedral and Notre-Dame, Paris. As Head Chorister of Schola Cantorum I at 17, Rachel had the privilege of singing the Brahms Requiem in the widely-acclaimed Mayfield Festival, under Sir David Willcocks.

Rachel took singing lessons with Linda Pont, achieving Grade 7 in 2001. Additionally, she studied the piano and bassoon to examination level, contributed to the school's Chamber Orchestra, achieved G.C.S.E. Music and passed Grade 5 Theory with Distinction.

Rachel was an adult soprano of Selby Abbey Choir under Dr. Roger Tebbet from 2005 to 2009, and now sings with the Choir of Howden Minster. She has also appeared as a soloist with The Easingwold Singers. Having achieved ABRSM Grade 8 Singing with merit, she is now working towards an ATCL diploma, and has studied with Lynne Dawson.

In August 2008, Rachel competed in the final of The Voice of 2008 in XScape, Castleford.

Rachel moved to Yorkshire in September 2002 to read French, German and Linguistics at the University of York. During these four years, she sang in numerous concerts with the University Choir, led by Dr. Peter Seymour, in both the University's 'Central Hall' and York Minster. She was also involved in running the York Glee Singers, where she developed as a soprano soloist and a chamber singer, as well as gaining committee experience as Treasurer and Music Librarian. During her year abroad, Rachel sang choral works with the Universitätschor, Regensburg, as well as performing as a soloist in a smaller group, ‘Jazznuts’.

In her final year as an undergraduate, Rachel became involved with the University of York Gilbert and Sullivan Society, taking principal roles in concert performances and staged productions, as well as starring in the chorus. In 2007, Rachel became founder of a musical theatre company, the Jorvik Gilbert and Sullivan Company, in which she continues to prepare for principal roles and serve on the committee. She directed, and performed the role of 'Ella', in the company's 2009 production of Patience in the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York.

Rachel has full CRB disclosure and public liability insurance.

Teaching Equipment: Digital piano plus stand (built-in metronome), music stand, lyric sheets/handouts, stereo system with speakers, plus iPod docking station/iPod for backing tracks, sheet music.

Rachel's singing lessons include thorough warm-ups and advice/demonstrations on technique, tailored according to individual's needs. She also offers half-hour lessons, which are popular with younger children.

 Testimonials

"Thank you for singing at Crayke Church at our wedding. It really made the ceremony personal and made a very special atmosphere. Charlotte and Richard."

"Just wanted to say a big big thank you for attending our wedding on Saturday. Your voice is amazing and you made our day complete and extremely special. You made it very magical, thank you very, very much." Joanne and Damian Halmshaw.

"Really enjoyed the lesson today - you are one bella signorita with the voice of an angel." Andy Kostek

"Joseph was amazing, Flynn did great, so thanks for all your help!" Joanna Burgess.

"Rachel sang two pieces beautifully at our wedding, one we requested and one she selected herself. It made the service extra-special for us and many guests commented on Rachel's stunning performance of Panis Angelicus, which filled the church as we signed the register." Helen and Nick Lay

"Brilliant singing, perfect voice". Chris Raeburn

 Session Fee: £25 per hour in her home studio