RATMUSE The Music Educator’s Publisher was founded by Dr Peter Ratnik in 2000 to promote Australian Composers and Arrangers. Over the last twenty years Ratmuse has evolved in genre, style and traversed the globe. Joining forces with Swiss publisher Difem in 2005, Ratmuse concentrated on the European style bands: Harmony, Wind and Brass Band. In 2011 upon returning to Australia, Dr Ratnik re-branded as Ratnik Music Press focusing primarily on original compositions. As the world and music education was challenged by the onslaught of COVID in 2020, Dr Ratnik came to the conclusion that with face to face teaching and traditional educational methods being tested, he would re-envisaged, and revitalised Ratmuse The Music Educators Publisher.
Dr Peter Ratnik: PhD, M.Mus, AmusA, RMA, FAC
Dr Peter Ratnik founded Ratmuse in July 2000. Ratmuse was the first Educational Music Publisher to actively advocate for gender diversity amongst Australian composers and arrangers. Dr Ratnik studied at the Universities of Melbourne & Edinburgh. His compositions & arrangements are published by Ratmuse, Difem and Obrasso (Switzerland).
Dr Ratnik has been Director of Music in High & Grammar schools in Australia, England & Scotland and visiting instrumental conductor in Aspen school district Colorado (USA) and Head of Conservatorium M-Con (Charles Sturt University). Dr Ratnik studied conducting under R.A.Y Mitchell MBE (Director of Music RAAF), John Hopkins OBE, Derek Humphrey (RAAF) OAM and Maestro Pierre Boulez (France). Following being a finalist in the European Young Conductors competition Peter went on to conduct many of the worlds finest Concert & Brass Bands, plus many specialised ensembles including Chief Conductor Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay Symphonic Band (Victoria), The Victorian 150th Your Symphonic Band as well as the University of Melbourne Engineering & Doctors Orchestra’s.
Dr Ratnik has also held state executive positions on ABODA (Victoria) and the VBL (Victorian Bands League). Ratnik’s philosophy is to create educational ensemble music which is enjoyable to learn and play, with educational outcomes to assist young musicians to develop to their fullest potential whilst experiencing a variety of musical genres.
Dr Ratnik regularly adjudicates at festivals, local and state competitions, as well as guest conductor for wind and brass bands, small ensembles and orchestras. Dr Ratnik is at home in the Jazz & Classical genres as a professional musician.
Mrs Belinda Ratnik: B.Mus (Melb), Adv Cert MYOB
Belinda (Saunders) Ratnik majored in woodwind pedagogy with a specialisation in flute, at the University of Melbourne. Belinda studied under Mardi McSullea, and Frederick Shade (Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and contemporary of Jean Pierre Rampall) and continued her training with Richard Gill, John Hopkins, Jane Rutter, Prue Davies and Merlyn Quaiffe.
As a country girl, Belinda is an avid proponent of music and performing art access and eduction for regional and remote areas. As such, on completing her degree, alongside continuing to teach flute, clarinet and saxophone and conducting various school ensembles in regional Victoria and NSW, she took the role as Director of South West Music Regional Conservatorium which provides a range of musical tuition throughout the massive area of Southern NSW. Working in such a large geographic area Belinda collaborated with the Riverina Conservatorium where she was the first to develop instrumental music tuition via teleconference in NSW. Belinda has also sat on a number of community and state Boards for the Arts. Belinda has held positions of Director of South West Music Regional Conservatorium, Deputy Director of Murray Conservatorium and General Managers of Southern Edge Arts (Albany, WA) and Launceston City Mission (Tasmania).
Alongside her art management skills and musical expertise Mrs Ratnik has extensive knowledge in business management particularly focusing on strategic & policy development, financial management and marketing. Belinda has a passion for music education and is dedicated to bringing music to all.
Dr Peter Ratnik CEO - Publications & Chief Editor