Why Join?
- American String Teacher Journal
- An award-winning quarterly scholarly publication that keeps members informed of developments and news within the string profession. The journal provides regular columns including “Master Classes,” “Member2Member,” and “Teaching Tips,” as well as other important educational information.
- Foundation to Promote String Playing and Teaching
- Our newest initiative provides grants, awards, instrument outreach programs, and contests and competitions exclusively for ASTA members.
- Comprehensive Website
- Filled with information about each program ASTA administers. Whether you are looking for job openings, grants, string industry contacts, awards, competitions, or the latest news, you will find it at www.astaweb.com.
- Online Discussion Groups
- The new eCommunities provides members with online discussion groups where you can seek assistance when posed with a specific issue. Members find this method of communication extremely useful when posed with a specific issue. It provides the broadest and fastest way to gather information and find innovative solutions to unique problems in a short time span.
- Job Opportunities
- Gives employers the opportunity to post available positions on the web. Provides ASTA members access to potential employment opportunities.
- National High School Honors Orchestra
- Performing group of 150 competitively selected high school musicians who assemble biennially to perform at the national conference under the direction of world renowned conductors.
- Cutting Edge Publications
- Discounted members-only rates for a wealth of string publications in a growing library of new and revised resources. A variety of tools are available covering topics such as Pedagogy, Classroom and Orchestra Instruction, Private Studio, Research and Resources, Music, and Compendiums.
- FL-ASTA State Chapter Membership
- State membership dues are already included in the price of national membership. FL-ASTA offers special clinics and conferences, including Cellobration and our summer conference; the chapter newsletter, The String Section; the latest news on our website at flasta.org; and opportunities for leadership at the state level.
- Conferences
- Professional development avenues are available at the National Conference and the National String Forum and Festival to assist you and your students in achieving career and learning objectives. Special initiatives include: an Alternative Styles Forum, a National Studio Teachers Forum, special K-12 Focus Sessions, the biennial National Solo Competition and the National Orchestra Festival.
- Professional Development Documentation Program
- Members may also enroll in a professional development documentation program in which ASTA will issue professional development certificates for approved conferences and workshops. Depending on your state’s requirements, this service may assist you in meeting required continuing education goals.
- Institutional Members
- The Institutional Membership category provides members access to colleges, universities, and other educational programs. The ASTA website and the spring issue of AST Journal provide a directory of institutional members and their summer programs/workshops.
- String Industry Council
- The String Industry Council builds a bridge between string teachers and players and corporate America. The Council encourages companies to support the string community and provides specialized support for corporate-sponsored projects. The annual and online directories are valuable sources of information for members to locate a wide variety of industry partners including: instrument manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers; music publishers and dealers, instrument repairs and rentals; bows, strings and other accessories, as well as music festivals and tours.
- Advocacy and Outreach
- ASTA has materials available to assist members in starting and growing string and orchestra programs as well as for community outreach programs. Some of the items available include “Why Strings?” brochures, a public service announcement by Mark O’Connor, advocacy kits, posters, and more.