Dr. Kenneth R. Raessler is Professor and Director of the School of Music Emeritus at Texas Christian University (TCU). He was formerly Director of Music Education in the Williamsport Area School District, Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The Williamsport Music Education Program achieved national prominence during his tenure, not only for excellence in performance but also for excellence and innovation in classroom music, and was awarded the MENC’s initial “Exemplary Program Award.”

Dr. Raessler holds a Bachelor's Degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, where he was named a Distinguished Alumni by the University and the School of Music, a Master’s Degree from Temple University, and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University. He has taught in the public schools of East Stroudsburg and Hatboro-Horsham, Pennsylvania, as well as Belvidere, New Jersey. He also served for ten years as the Director of Music Education and Chairman of the Department of Music at Gettysburg College.

The author of over 70 articles that provided a catalyst for his recent book, Aspiring to Excel: Leadership Initiatives for Music Educators, (GIA Publications) intended to inspire leadership incentives, advocacy, and the quest for excellence in today’s music educators. He has also contributed several chapters to the popular book by James Jordan entitled The Musicians Walk (GIA Publications) as well as the recently released book (2008) by Jordan and Michele Holt entitled The School Choral Program: Philosophy, Planning, Organizing and Teaching.