Shelley Gruskin achieved international recognition as a performer of early music and as an educator. He initiated the re-birth of several early instruments, including Renaissance flutes, krummhorns, rauschpfeifes, and historical bagpipes. He was president of the American Recorder Society for eight years and received its Distinguished Achievement Award in 1991. He joined St. Scholastica in 1978 as artist in residence. In addition to teaching and mentoring students, he led the Early Music Orchestra. Upon his retirement in 1998 he was given Faculty Emeritus status and has continued to teach ever since. He conducts the popular "Messiah" Sing-along, a holiday tradition for 30 years.