Kim Kaskiw

“In 2020 I was diagnosed with musician’s focal dystonia by a neurologist. MFD falls under the umbrella of ‘Parkinsonism’. Currently there is no cure and treatment options are limited. I was devastated. For many years, I wasn’t sure what was happening to me. There would be a shake in my sound or an unwanted vibrato, and muscle cramps. The kicker? It only happens when I play or sing. The two things I love to do, more than anything! I tried practicing more. Then less. Then somewhere in between. Then lessons and advice from other musicians. Then unsuccessful medical treatments. Nothing seemed to work. It profoundly affected my ability to both sing and play the tuba. Dystonia causes muscles to twist painfully, shake or contract uncontrollably. Still, my dream was to record AND perform my compositions – and somehow cheat dystonia in the process. I think I succeeded!

I want to bring awareness to the millions of musicians worldwide who suffer with musicians’ focal dystonia. It can happen at any age. More research is needed, and more awareness is key. So here I am having the courage to out myself. If you have been diagnosed with musicians’ focal dystonia, never give up! We are, and always will be, musicians! Making this CD has helped me realize that dystonia cannot steal my creativity; it has brought me tremendous joy despite tragedy and many setbacks. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I did creating it!” Kim Kaskiw 

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