She gave up a career as a music teacher and switched to playing jazz professionally after hearing Oscar Peterson in concert.
She and vocalist Janet Lawson created the videotaped lessons, and had guest input from the likes of Clark Terry, Arnie Lawrence and Ray and Billy Drummond.
[5] Committed to spreading the jazz message to children, Raphael has co-created with Marcia Hillman a book-and-tape series called Scat Cat's Adventures in Jazzland.
Her guests have included Jon Hendricks, Warren Vache, Harry Allen, Gene Bertoncini, Joel Frahm and Marlene VerPlanck.
[7] Her most popular CDs include The Whole Truth, Reflections, Wingin' It, A Beautiful Friendship and Class Act.