Diane Shuleski is a life-long resident of the Wyoming Valley who has dedicated her entire career to furthering music education. She is a 1975 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Wilkes University, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education, and attained her Instructional II certification from Marywood University in 1978. Her study of music includes piano with the renowned Anne Vanko Liva from grade school through her college years and baritone horn in the Wilkes Band, under the direction of Ray Nutaitis. In addition, under the direction of Richard Chapline, she has been a member of the Madrigal Singers, an elite vocal group that performed throughout the area.
Mrs. Shuleski began her professional teaching career at the former Sacred Heart School in Wilkes-Barre as a part-time Kindergarten through eighth grade general music teacher and also taught private, in-school, piano and instrumental lessons. She served as Director of Children’s Liturgies where her responsibilities included cantoring, accompaniment on piano, organ, flute and trumpet and arranging liturgical music for her Instrumental Ensemble. She accompanied the children’s choir from senior facilities to a live television liturgy from St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton. Piano and instrumental students were featured in recitals, school music programs and special events. After the closing of Sacred Heart, Diane continued teaching at Good Shepherd Academy in Kingston. In addition to classroom music and programs, she was the Director of Instrumental Music, implementing the school’s first group lesson and elementary band program.
Mrs. Shuleski has successfully prepared her students for musical careers at various colleges and universities. As a member of MTNA, PMTA AND NEPMTA, students are eligible to enter the Dorothy Sutton Festival, Carnegie and Kirby auditions. As a member of the NGPT, a division of the American College of Musicians, students may participate in the National Piano Playing Auditions. Diane is a Hall of Fame member in this organization. She has attained the Paderewski Medal and continues to prepare her students for the highest goals. Formal and Theme recitals are presented several times a year.