Focus study tutor Greta Koning has a separate life away from students and textbooks that lets her express herself through her music.

Koning staring singing when she was six years old, and since then she has been a part of many choirs. She pursued a music minor in college and then took part in community choirs.

She now performs in many musical events including Tanglewood festival and operas. The Tanglewood festival is a big deal for many musicians, with participating artists including the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

“As a side job, I sing,” Koning said. “It’s a hobby, but it can also be a paid gig. I feel accomplished because as an adult I’ve been able to pursue hobbies that I may not have had time for before.”

Koning sings classical and operatic styles, both of which are older styles that require a wide vocal range and lots of focus. These styles can be particularly challenging because a person would need to have a lot of emotion and power in their voice to perform them.

Koning has also learned to carry a song while dancing. Her opera shows sometimes require her to learn a new dance and sing a challenging song at the same time.

“Last year, I was in an opera called ‘The Merry Widow,’ and I had to be a Grisette, which is where these women lift up their skirts and then they kick their legs,” Koning said. “That was challenging because we had to learn a dance, and then we had to sing while we danced.”

“[Opera] is a very competitive environment, especially among women,” Koning said. ”If I’m in an opera chorus, they generally need men. If there are a female and a male role in an opera, there may be fifteen women trying out and only three men, which gives the men an advantage.”

Band teacher Amy Collins has seen Koning perform on multiple occasions. She supports Koning and recognizes the hard work that is put into every musical event.

“This is a very prestigious volunteer chorus to be in,” Collins said. “It’s always a treat to see them [Koning and her choir] perform, because they are so polished, especially for being a volunteer organization. It is very impressive.”

“Performing music always makes me really happy,” Koning said. “I pretty much know what music makes me sad or makes me happy. I’ll listen to a song and it will hold a memory, and sometimes it makes me cry.”