Rafael Ramirez (Viola/mandolin), founder of Music Educational Tools, was born in Caracas- Venezuela, where he began musical studies through El Sistema (famous Venezuelan music program) in 1992. After immigrating to the United States, he studied at the New World School for the Arts/University of Florida where he earned his Bachelor degree with Honors. Rafael Ramirez holds a Master Degree from Florida International University, an Artist Diploma and a Doctorate in Musical Arts from University of Miami. As a music educator and active performer, Dr. Ramirez has created didactic tools to aid string performers to acquire the necessary skills to develop technique.