Musicianship In My Own Way

by Marion Skalweit

I grew up surrounded by music. No, my parents were not musicians but there was always music on the radio and we had many vinyl records...everything from Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra and George Shearing to Deutsche Gramaphone recordings of the Berlin Philharmonic. My father was a superb whistler and whistled around the house constantly. In school, I participated in choir and theatre, and tried my hand at the flute. Then college and professional school and life intervened but I kept listening to music, and singing along to everything I heard. When I retired, my husband purchased a trial of 3 music lessons for me at The Music Settlement, and suddenly music was back in my life again, full force! I have been taking voice instruction with Kim Lauritsen since February 2023 and participate with the Settlement Singers. I've also started flute lessons again with Brandy Hudelson at the Settlement.

Since retirement, I have experienced some health issues and my music classes at the Settlement have been a vital part of my activities and recuperation. Lessons and choir are the highlights of my week and one obtains so much enjoyment in practicing and preparing new music. Going to the settlement allows one to meet new, likeminded music lovers.

The Settlement has allowed me to develop my musicianship in my own way. It is truly a judgement free zone: whether you are a beginner or coming back to music after a hiatus, the Settlement is full of wonderful, encouraging faculty, staff and fellow students of all ages and walks of life.