Rocky Point elementary music teacher and music department chairperson Mr. Craig Knapp has been named The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame’s 2024 ‘Educator of Note’ winner. Mr. Knapp will be honored at a special presentation on Feb. 1 at LIMEHOF in Stony Brook. 

Mr. Knapp is the 18th music teacher to be recognized by LIMEHOF. The award recognizes exceptional teachers who demonstrate a commitment to music education, play an active role in the community and have a significant influence on the lives of music students of all backgrounds and abilities.

“This is an exceptional honor for Mr. Knapp and the Rocky Point School District,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott O’Brien said. “His stellar enthusiasm and thoughtful teaching methods have not only guided thousands of students in the district, but they have also encouraged many with a lifelong love of the immense joy of music.”

Mr. Knapp’s impressive resume also includes stints as the director of the Nassau and Suffolk Treble Choirs of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York, elementary classroom music specialist, former adjunct assistant professor at Hofstra University, former director of the Early Childhood Community Music Program at Stony Brook University, music educator, guest conductor, clinician, folk dance leader and author. 

Of all his accomplishments, Mr. Knapp noted that the most significant honor to him is the lasting influence he has had on his students.

“I have the luckiest job in the world as I get to wake up every Monday morning and make music with incredible children,” he said. “Of all that I have achieved – more important than any accolades I could receive, books I could publish, guest conducting opportunities I could receive, invitations to present at professional development conferences or performances I direct – my greatest accomplishment, and what I’m most proud of, is that students still come to visit me decades later to tell me that I was their favorite teacher and to thank me for the positive impact I had on their life. What could be better than that?”

For ticket information to the ceremony, visit https://www.limusichalloffame.org.