Dr. Ira Raibon is an accomplished music educator whose teaching philosophy centers on helping students turn their musical dreams into achievable goals. He begins by identifying the knowledge and skills required for each student’s objective, then creates a clear developmental process designed to build those abilities step by step. His approach combines strong musical fundamentals with individualized instruction, allowing students to grow with purpose, confidence, and a deeper understanding of music.

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Ira began teaching at the Newport Institute of the Arts in Corona del Mar, where he served on the woodwind faculty from 1973 to 1976. During this time, he also helped organize the first Newport Festival of the Arts. From 1985 to 1988, he worked with the Saddleback School District as a band director for students in fourth through sixth grade. He later served as band director and choir director at Thurston Middle School from 1988 to 1990.

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During that same period, Ira taught classroom music to third through fifth-grade students at San Juan Mission School and kindergarten through fourth-grade students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School. Beginning in 1990, he co-created St. Margaret’s instrumental music curriculum for students in grades four through twelve. He remained involved with the program through 2007 and established the school’s Advanced Placement Music program. Ira became board-certified to teach AP Music, and his classes ranked in the 93rd percentile nationwide.

From 2008 through 2018, Ira continued serving St. Margaret’s Episcopal School as an Artist in Residence and onsite music expert. He has also taught Music Entrepreneurship through OSHA programs in Santa Ana and Dana Point, helping musicians better understand the professional and business sides of developing a career in music.

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With decades of experience in instrumental instruction, ensemble leadership, curriculum development, classroom music, music theory, and music entrepreneurship, Ira brings exceptional depth and versatility to every lesson. He teaches saxophone, harmonica, trumpet, clarinet, voice, guitar, bass, ukulele, piano, and drums. Whether a student is learning their first notes or pursuing a specific performance goal, Ira works to provide the knowledge, structure, and encouragement necessary to help them succeed.