Gertrude Fairbairn studied under Dudley Vernor at the Bay View Conservatory. She was one of the first accompanists of the Little Traverse Choral Society. Mrs. Fairbairn began accompanying the Choral Society in 1989 and has served in that capacity a cumulative total of fifteen years. 

She is the former organist of the United Methodist Church in Petoskey and organist emeritus of the Petoskey First Presbyterian Church where she served for over 25 years.

She accompanied  Petoskey High School vocal groups under the direction of Brad Moffatt. She has also served on many occasions as accompanist for soloists and various musical organizations.  Her newest venture is accompanying the Little Traverse Youth Choir under the direction of Heather Marvin. The Little Traverse Youth Choir was recently established under the auspices of Voices Without Borders and will perform in the upcoming Children of the World in Harmony International Youth Choir.