MASTA is a state chapter of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA). Michigan has one of the largest and most active state ASTA chapters in the US.

The American String Teachers Association promotes excellence in string and orchestra teaching and playing. ASTA pursues its mission through an open sharing of ideas; benefits, services, and activities responsive of the needs of all members; development of strong state leadership and chapters; enhancing the image and visibility of string teaching and study; advocacy for string education; and an inclusive community of string teachers and players.

Become a Member!

MASTA Strings Camp

The camps consist of three sessions that are held annually in late June at the Howell Nature Center in Howell, Michigan.

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Benefits of Membership

One of the greatest strengths of ASTA is the scope of its membership. We not only serve the private and public school educators but our organization services the studio teachers, professional and amateur musicians, and University and College instructors...

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Our Sponsors

A special thank you to our sponsors for the 2019-2020 school year.

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Michigan Cello Festival

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Western Michigan University will be hosting the Michigan Cello Festival on Saturday, November 2nd. This full day of events includes masterclasses, guest performances and a cello orchestra for all participants. Faculty includes Dr. Alice Ann O’Neil, Marilyn Kesler, Alicia Gregorian-Sawyers, Luke Cook, Bruce Uchimura, Anthony Elliott, Igor Cetkovic, and a special performance by hip-hop cellist […]

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University of Michigan Bass Bash

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The University of Michigan will host an incredible lineup of bass teachers and artists for the annual Bass Bash. On Saturday, September 7th students and teachers can participate in a full day of events dedicated to the bass. Faculty for the day include Max Dimoff, Robert Hurst III, and Ranaan Meyer in addition to MASTA’s […]

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For the Love of Music

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by Joe Richards Troy School District More often than not, we string teachers come home from the rigors of the orchestra classroom and decide to watch TV, go to the gym, take the kids to soccer practice, etc.  The business of our lives leads us to forget to make time for one very important thing […]

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MASTA Chamber Music Festival

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By Michael Hopkins The 28th annual MASTA Chamber Music Festival was held on March 4, 2019 at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Guest artists and competition judges were the four members of the MUSE Ensemble: Danielle Belen (violin), Kyoko Kashiwagi (violin), Eva Stern (viola), and Katri Ervamaa (cello). Additional festival faculty included Molly […]

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Community Outreach Shows with the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic

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Ashley Grebe, Artistic Director at Saline Fiddlers The Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic (SFP) has long been known as one of America’s premiere youth fiddling show bands. With alumni still playing all over the state of Michigan, the US, and internationally, SFP’s reputation is far-reaching. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the group’s founding by renowned […]

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MASTA Teacher & Administrator of the Year

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By Michael Hopkins, MASTA President-Elect 2019 Teacher of the Year On Friday, January 25, 2019, Linda Trotter, Orchestra Director at West Bloomfield High School & Orchard Lake Middle School was awarded the MASTA 2019 Teacher of the Year.  Linda Trotter is finishing her 36th year of public school teaching, spending the last 21 years teaching […]

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BassFest West

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At the Michigan BassFest, young bassists have a unique opportunity to get together with other young bass players, play ensembles, get instruction from nationally recognized bass teachers and performers, and hear some outstanding bass playing. Michigan BassFest-West will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at East Rockford Middle School.  The registration deadline is May 4th.  […]

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