MARTY Pannell’s love of music and teaching it has taken him all around Australia, and he and his family have made a happy home in Tumut.
Known for teaching with Marty’s Music School and other local musical involvements, he was born and spent his first 10 years on the NSW Central Coast before moving to Sydney’s Sutherland Shire.
When he finished school he studied and was qualified in teaching.
He has taught music in the far flung reaches of the country.
“Lisa (his wife) and I have lived in Sydney, Hobart, Melbourne and Wollongong for about 13 years and then moved here four years ago,” he said.
One word can sum up why he and his family came to Tumut.
“Opportunity,” he said.
“We came down to visit some friends and liked the area and saw the opportunity to start a music school here.”
The school has expanded to take in pre-schools, nursing homes, and home visits.
“I’ve had a couple of elderly people that I’ve worked with who have since passed away and I’ve gone to the funerals and done the music at the funerals,” he said.
“It’s been an interesting journey.”
Through Snowy Valleys Council, and in particular Kate Howarth, whose son Matt with Marty formed a band called the ‘Out-of-towners’, he got involved in performing at events such as the Falling Leaf Festival, Ciderfest and Australia Day celebrations alongside students he has taught, giving them the confidence and courage to perform live.
Marty discovered his love for music at the age of about 10.
“My Mum used to play the organ in church,” he said.
“I grew up in a churchy family and we were very involved with music as kids; we had musical instruments all through the house, and basically, I just kept going with it.
“At school I learnt electric guitar, and I got two years of drum lessons, and then I did an African drumming tutorial course (he holds African drumming sessions locally).
“When I went to Uni I learnt piano.”
His love of music is easy to explain.
“I love the fact that everyone loves music,” he said.
“It bonds everyone; brings people together
“It’s a beautiful part of life
“Whether it’s a guitar around a campfire; it’s just the energy that comes from people.
“Every time we have a family gathering; I’m one of 11 kids and Lisa’s one of five; every time we get together there’s a guitar or two or a ukulele; it’s just fun.
“It’s just the way it brings people together; I think it’s the unity and the community feeling that I really like.”
Marty and Lisa (Lisa is a creative arts therapist) met at teacher’s college at age 23, got engaged at 24 and married at 25.
They have five children, the oldest is Olivia is 26 and living in Cronulla, Emily is 23 and currently in Canada, Julian is 20 and living in Wollongong, Seb is 14 and Sienna 12, both here in Tumut (or to be more precise, Goobarragandra.)
The family is fond of Tumut and can see themselves staying here.
“I really like it; I have no reason to move,” Marty said.
“It’s affordable; it’s a beautiful country town; I’ve made some good friends here through the Tumut Trotters (running group).
“It’s very easy to join a social club; there’s so many things you can get involved with; it’s just an easy town to settle into.”
