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 - Chief Editor Publications
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.
To learn more about Dr Peter Ratnik and see a complete listing of works head over to his website: www.peterratnik.com
Mrs Belinda Ratnik Executive Director
Mrs Belinda Ratnik: B.Mus (Melb), Adv Cert MYOB - Executive Director
Belinda (Saunders) Ratnik developed her passion for music whilst studying recorder and guitar in primary school and fell in love with the flute in secondary school. Belinda went on to complete a Bachelor of Music at the University of Melbourne majoring in Flute and Instrumental Music tuition.
Whilst at the university she studied with Mardi McSullea (contemporary flute specialist) and Frederick Shade (Piccolo player for the MSO; contemporary of Jean Piere Rampall) and continued her training by participated in various workshops with Richard Gill, John Hopkins, Jane Rutter, Prue Davies, Merlyn Quaiffe amongst others.
Having studies in a broad range of musical genres, Belinda developed a passion for French Romantic (Salon) Music and Early Music.
A long standing member of the Early Arts Guild of Victoria. Belinda has performed in a number of their annual and touring concert series including as soloist (modern & baroque flute) with notable Australian harpsichordist John O'Donnell. Her passion for early music is all-encompasing as she become a member of the Rippon Lea Renaissance dance troupe under distinguished Early Music specialist Helga Hill.
Complimenting these achievements Belinda is an avid proponent of music and performing art access and eduction in regional and remote areas. As such on completing her University studies she took the role as Director of South West Music Regional Conservatorium which provides a range of musical tuition throughout Southern NSW from Balranald along the Murray River to Tocumal and as far in-land as Hay and Lake Cargellico. Working in such a large geographic area Belinda along with Wagga Wagga Conservatorium was the first to trial instrumental music tuition via teleconference in NSW. At this time she also sat on a number of community and state Boards including South West Arts. Following on from these roles Belinda became Deputy Director of Murray Conservatorium (NSW largest music Conservatorium) and later General Manager of Southern Edge Arts (Albany, WA) which is a youth performance company specialising not only in Music but, Theatre, Dance and Circus Arts.
Joining forces with composer, conductor, arranger Dr Peter Ratnik (D.Mus Edinburgh) in 2010 Belinda is also the General Manager for their music publishing company Ratnik Music Press.
Keeping her hand in, so to speak, Belinda has always been a member of community, amateur and professional ensembles not only as a flautist but as a singer and conductor. These have ranged from Conductor of the Albany City (Brass) Band to playing in the pit orchestra for Opera Box's touring season of Anna Bolena.
On arrival in Hobart Belinda was invited to play in the St David’s Annual floral festival Concert and since has sort new and varied musical opportunities to participate in including playing and singing with Cantiamo Ladies Choir.
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 Publications & Chief Editor