Mary Raptis
B.Arts (Music) B.Arts Hons (Ethnomusicology) GradDipEd (Sec) Cert IV Music (Conducting)
1973 Began Violin lessons at school aged 9 with Erwin Meyer
1976 Leader of the Public Primary Schools Festival of Music Orchestra and Assisting Solo Artist
1977 Special Interest Music scholarship to Brighton HS. Studied with Beryl Kimber and Louise Woodcock.
1982 Studied at Adelaide University Degree in Music and Drama, Violin studies at Flinders St School of Music (FSSOM)
with Rob Collins and was a member of Chamber Orchestra
1985 Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) at South Australian College of Advanced Education
1986 Honours Degree in Ethnomusicology at Adelaide University
1987 Accepted string teaching position in DECD (then Music Branch)
1988 Established Allegro Music 592-594 South Rd Glandore
1989 Joined AUSTA (Australian String Association)
1993-94 Trained and Conducted Public Primary Schools Festival of Music Orchestras
2000 Resigned from DECD
2001 Studied Conducting at Flinders Street School of Music with Carl Crossin - Director of Adelaide Chamber Singers
2003 Elected onto AUSTA Commitee
2007 Allegro Music relocates to 116 Anzac Hwy Glandore
2008 Became AUSTA Treasurer for SA
2011 Joined Unley Symphony Orchestra - Viola section
2013 Elected council member of MTASA
2014-15 Violin Tutor at State Music Camp St Peter's Boys College
2015 Resigned from AUSTA after 11 years on committee, 7 years as treasurer
2015-16 Leader of the PROMS Orchestra for the Metropolitan Male Choir of SA
2016 Viola Tutor at State Music Camp Concordia College
2024 Allegro Music Celebrating 36 years of music education
As I roll into my third decade of music education and string tutoring the skills and passion involved are heightened.
Mine is not work, but a craft that I have great harmony with. I share a spiritual connection with each student nuturing a deeper understanding and life long love of music.
The focus of my teaching consists of well structured technical content - this is essential at beginner stages but sadly often ignored.
Musicality is developed in conjunction with solid technique. String students prepare for exams with our resident accompanist and I indulge my love of conducting where possible with ensemble groups. Rehearsal techniques are important for string players and need developing. I work hard to encourage teamwork, confidence and fun with everything we do.
Many Allegro Music string students have been and are currently recipients of highly sought after string scholarships to private schools and Special Interest Music Centres ie Brighton, Marryatville, Woodville, Seymour, Immanuel, St Peters & Pulteney Grammar
I am a strong supporter of the Adelaide Youth Orchestra (ADYO) and the two training orchestras AYS & AdSi.
Directed by Keith Crellin, these groups provide string players amazing training and performance opportunities.
Many Allegro Music string students have played in the ranks of these orchestras. Participation is a total commitment by students and parents. Currently an Allegro Music Viola student is a member of ADYO