ABOUT MR. RAZ
Erik Rasmussen (also known as “Mr. Raz”) is a music educator, classical singer, and budding pianist based in the Long Island area. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from the SUNY Fredonia School of Music, a Master of Music in Classical Performance from the Aaron Copland School of Music at CUNY Queens College, and he most recently earned his Master of Science in Education from Hofstra University. While studying at Hofstra, Mr. Raz was inducted as a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and performed as the tenor soloist in the world premiere of Joan Johnson Drewes’s “Send Love” with the Hofstra Chamber Choir.
An experienced educator with nearly a decade of experience teaching private vocal and piano lessons, Mr. Raz owns and operates a small private studio in addition to having worked with local companies including Grace Music School (vocal/piano teacher and faculty accompanist), Occupational Octaves Piano (special education piano teacher), Long Island Studio of Music (vocal/piano teacher), and Eastern Suffolk BOCES Arts-in-Education (NYSSMA vocal masterclass clinician).
An accomplished performer in the New York City area, Mr. Raz has sung on the stages of renowned venues including Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Merkin Hall at Lincoln Center, the Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, and the Riverside Church of New York City. He is currently a section leader, soloist, and guest conductor at the Congregational Church of Manhasset, and frequently performs with the Bard Festival Chorale.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
As a music educator, I consider the arts to be “the gateway to the soul.” Music and other forms of artistic expression offer profound opportunities for self-discovery, social-emotional development, and community building; All of which are essential elements in becoming a thoughtful and engaged member of society. In the music classroom, students find a creative outlet to express ideas and emotions that words alone cannot capture.
I am committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all students feel respected, challenged, and empowered to take risks in their learning. Music education extends beyond technical skill; It is a powerful medium for cultivating empathy, cultural awareness, and human connection. By engaging with diverse musical traditions and perspectives, students develop a deeper understanding of both themselves and the world around them. For this reason, I view culturally-responsive teaching not as an option, but as a responsibiliy.
I encourage my students to embrace challenges and view mistakes as part of the learning process. When a student says, “I can’t,” I respond, “Not yet,” reinforcing the belief that growth comes through persistence and effort. Together, we build a classroom culture grounded in curiosity, resilience, and collaboration.
My goal is to create meaningful musical experiences in which students take ownership of their learning while developing strong listening, literacy, and expressive skills. I strive to design instruction that is engaging, student-centered, and adaptable to a wide range of abilities and backgrounds. Through performance, composition, and reflection, students learn to communicate with intention and confidence.
Beyond the classroom, I hope students come to see music not simply as a subject, but as a lifelong source of creativity, connection, and personal fulfillment. By nurturing both artistic and personal growth, I aim to empower young musicians to participate fully in their communities and to the carry the transformative power of music into all aspects of their lives.
