Dean Raskin is an accomplished violinist and composer. Originally from El Paso, Texas, Dean holds a B.M. degree from The Juilliard School.
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Chamber Music: Dean began composing chamber music in a classical style at the age of 12. This music was heard in chamber concerts, middle schools, high schools, television, colleges, and music festivals. At 17, his piece "La Azucena" was performed by the El Paso Philharmonic Strings and then premiered by the Young Musicians String Quartet on a three week television and radio show by Canal 5 in Chihuaha Mexico. He won first prize in the Brian Israel Composition Competition sponsored by the New York Federation of Music Clubs with his piece "Fantasia" for piano. In his last competition entry, he made the final round in A.S.C.A.P.'s national composition competition with his "Suite" for two violins.
Over the years, Dean has been grateful to have had his chamber music performed by a number of professional colleagues and acclaimed concert artists. He has also composed for independent film and musical theater.
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Electronic Music: In 1999, Dean Raskin's main compositional focus changed to electronic music. His largest body of compositions over the last 25 years has been in the electronic music space, particularly in the New Age music genre. Much of this music features Dean's performances on synthesizer and the 5-string electric violin. His 'deep relaxation' music series targets holistic wellness, meditation, and massage therapy industries. Streams of music from this series span worldwide and are in the millions. His output of electronic music has expanded into the areas of EDM (3 albums), piano focused (3 albums), and 5 albums of creative and experimental New Age music that is not oriented towards wellness industries. His entire catalog of independently released electronic music consists of 19 albums and is now available for direct streaming and downloading here at Dean Raskin Music.
Academic Influences: Dean had a number of academic influences aside from principal violin teachers during his studies at Baylor and Juilliard; Baylor music theory professor Dr. Herbert Colvin, Waco Symphony conductor Stephen Heyde, pianist Dr. Laurene Peterson, acclaimed composer Juilliard professor Sam Zyman, acclaimed composer Juilliard music theory professor Eric Ewazen, Juilliard Placement Director Shirley Greitzer, acclaimed composer Juilliard professor Stanley Wolfe, and dean of The Juilliard School humanities professor Dr. James Sloan Allen.
Musical Influences: Classical composers who have had the most influence on Dean are Debussy, Schubert, Sibelius, and Dvorak; New Age music composers Enya and George Winston have also had a great influence. All of the great songwriters of Jazz Standards in America through the 20's, 30's, and 40's have left an indelible impression as well as many songs from the 70's, and 80's. Although there are many great violinists that have had a lifelong impact on Dean, the most influential are Itzhak Perlman and Stephane Grappelli.