Shelley Culver

A long line of musicians in the family triggered a love of music, which prompted Shelley Culver to pursue her chosen field and lead her to the organ in the Westfield First Presbyterian Church.

A 2002 graduate of Frewsburg High School, Ms. Culver continued her future profession studies at Westminster College in Pennsylvania where she earned two Bach music degrees, Music Education and Sacred Music. Also an oboe major, she plays piano and organ, having earned her masters in Organ Performance at the University of Illinois.

Currently, Ms. Culver teaches music part-time at Ripley Central School where she has pre-kindergarten through second grade students and leads junior and senior high choirs.

Ms. Culver, who is a member of the Jamestown Presbyterian Church, notes that besides her grandmother, who played some organ and piano at her church, her mother also studied music for a while in college. When Ms. Culver talked about playing the organ, her mother said that if she continued piano, then she could study the organ. “I come from a long line of musicians, so it’s natural for me,” she said.

Now a resident of Fredonia, Ms. Culver tells of her experience teaching in Illinois, but would rather “move back” to Chautauqua County, which she did. This musical 26-year-old looks forward to her future – any opportunity – in music. A member of the Chautauqua County Music Teachers Association, she also gives private lessons in piano and organ.

Ms. Culver also directs the choir at First Presbyterian, which she said is “a pleasure to work with.” Both choir and congregation concur – the feeling is mutual.

All are invited to attend Sunday services at 11 a.m. to enjoy Ms. Culver’s musical talents.