Craig Knapp, of Rocky Point School District, was inducted into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame’s as Educator of Note. Knapp has built a career rooted in passion, humility, and a dedication to the transformative power of music. With over 27 years of experience in education, Knapp’s story is a testament to the profound impact music teachers can have on their students’ lives.

Reflecting on his career, Knapp admits it is not easy for him to talk about his accomplishments. His humility shines through in his recognition that, for him, the most fulfilling part of his work has been the positive influence he has had on his students. One particularly poignant reminder of his legacy came during an unexpected visit from a former student, Julia Brandow, who shared how much her time in Knapp’s classroom had shaped her life. The encounter reinforced for Knapp the importance of his role as an educator, far beyond the concerts and performances that define so much of a music teacher’s life.

Knapp’s journey into music education began in his own school years, where he struggled to find his place in the social landscape. However, music always provided a constant—a place where he felt connected, valued, and part of something meaningful. His early experiences with music educators like Michael Merolla, who taught him in elementary school, and Frank Turso, who guided him through high school band, left a lasting impression. These educators not only sparked his love for music but also gave him a sense of belonging, which he now strives to offer to his own students.

After attending Suffolk Community College, Knapp initially aimed for a career in broadcasting but found himself drawn to music, particularly after an accidental enrollment in a “Music History 1” class that led him to explore the college band. His studies and experiences at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam were pivotal, especially the mentorship of Lawrence Tallman. Tallman inspired Knapp to consider teaching elementary music—a path that felt unconventional given Knapp’s background as a trumpet major. Through Tallman’s support, Knapp secured a student teaching assignment that split his time between band and elementary music, ultimately steering him toward a fulfilling career in elementary music education.

Knapp’s first teaching position came in 1998, when he joined the Rocky Point School District as a choral and classroom music educator. Initially, as a trumpet major, he lacked the typical training required for teaching elementary music and chorus. However, Knapp’s commitment to growth led him to pursue professional development opportunities, including workshops through the Long Island Chapter of the American Orff Schulwerk Association and the New York State School Music Association. His early years in the field were supported by colleagues like Sal Lentini, who helped raise his visibility within the district by recommending him to perform at various events.

Over time, Knapp developed a teaching philosophy that blends joy, hard work, and musical expression. He embraces the pedagogies of Dr. John Feierabend, the Orff-Schulwerk approach, and the Kodály concept, all of which shape his developmentally appropriate teaching methods. His approach emphasizes quality literature and student engagement, fostering a tuneful, beautiful, and artful learning environment for his students. Knapp’s success in this area is evident in his leadership of many choral ensembles and his direction of annual performances, such as the Winter Musical and the Salute to Veterans event. Under his guidance, his choral groups have consistently received top ratings at the New York State School Music Association’s evaluation festivals.

As the Elementary Music Department Chairperson since 2021, Knapp has been instrumental in reshaping the district’s elementary music curriculum to create a standards-based learning experience. His efforts have earned the district recognition as one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation. Knapp has also played a key role in introducing new initiatives, such as the “Instrument Petting Zoo,” which allows students to explore instruments before selecting one for band and orchestra.

Beyond his work in the classroom, Knapp has remained highly active in the broader music education community. He has directed the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York’s Children’s Treble Choirs since 2007, performing at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. He has conducted numerous commissioned pieces and worked with renowned composers and guest conductors. Knapp has also contributed to the music education field through teaching at Hofstra University and Stony Brook University, as well as through workshops and presentations at national and regional conferences. His expertise and leadership in various organizations, including the American Choral Directors Association and the Feierabend Association for Music Education, have further solidified his standing as a respected figure in music education.

Knapp’s leadership extends to multiple music education organizations, where he has served in various capacities, including as Past-President of the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association (SCMEA) and as a board member of the Feierabend Association for Music Education (FAME). His work has also earned him a number of professional accolades, including being a co-author of the book First Steps in Music with Orff Schulwerk: Sing, Say, Dance, Play and a contributing author to Feierabend Fundamentals, with a third book on the way.

Reflecting on his achievements, Knapp expresses immense pride in his work, not because of the accolades he has received but because of the lasting impact he has had on his students. His greatest accomplishment, he says, is that former students still come back to thank him for the positive influence he had on their lives. To Knapp, there is no greater reward than knowing he has made a meaningful difference in the lives of those he has taught.

Knapp’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and the transformative power of music education. His journey serves as a reminder that music teachers have the unique opportunity to shape not only students’ musical abilities but also their lives, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and minds. For Knapp, teaching music has never been just a job—it has been a calling, and his career is a shining example of what can be achieved when dedication, hard work, and a love for music are combined.

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