About Beth Raschke
At an early age, Beth Raschke grew up hearing her parents’ record albums ranging from Bach to Broadway. At church, she was surrounded with beautiful voices and wonderful instruments. By the age of 7, Beth began piano lessons at a local music shop, similar to Velocity (!), and joined the church children’s choir. At the age of 10, she sang her first solo on Christmas Eve. She continued to study piano and sing with school and church choirs throughout her youth. Beth was also very active in high school drama and musical theater. She was acclaimed for her roles in South Pacific, Oklahoma!, 1776, and Once Upon a Mattress. She is also a self-taught guitarist. All of Beth’s music interests became integral in making new friends and adjusting to new communities when it was necessary to relocate due to her father’s career. She and her family lived on the East Coast, the West Coast and Texas (the Third Coast), with roots from the Midwest. Music is a universal language wherever you live!
After graduating from the University of Texas in Austin, Beth started a career in the business world but was always drawn back to music. She received training in piano pedagogy as well as general music from Houston Community College and Sam Houston State University. She has studied with renowned teachers including Dr. Alaire Lowry, Dr. Judith Carmen and Dr. Joseph Choi. Throughout her life, Beth has sung with many choral ensembles, soloed in major church works, weddings and funerals, and accompanied groups on piano.
However, Beth’s greatest passion is sharing her joy of music with children. Starting with a niece on piano, she quickly grew a home studio and then began teaching music at a preschool when her own children were young. Over the years, Ms. Beth has worked at a number of early childhood development centers teaching music & movement classes for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years old. She has directed many delightful programs for their families and friends to enjoy. She is very excited to now offer her musical craft to Velocity Music Academy! Whether from music & movement classes or private lessons, Beth has seen hundreds of children blossom over the years from the spirit and power of music!
Ms. Beth enjoys coaching her students for semester recitals, organizing performance parties and leading songfests. She also has experience with adult beginners and children with special needs. Besides her depth of experience, Beth also brings her humor, energy, joy and creative expression to her students and their families.
Beth is married to her supportive and loving husband, Mark. They have two amazing sons who are very successful and musical! Mark and Beth enjoy all things music, family, gardening, cooking, Texas travel and their dog, Fritz. They have lived in the Cedar Park area for over 20 years.
