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.

COVID-19 Updates & Resources

ASTA National Conference

The 2021 ASTA National Conference will be March 3-6, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky.

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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’s Newest High School MASTA Chapter

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Students from Lowell High School and NorthPointe Christian High School had their first meeting and decided to form a “West Michigan High School” Student Chapter of MASTA. The goal, once the vision of the group is clear, is to include students from neighboring schools and build a solid high school string community in Grand Rapids. […]

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University of Michigan Bass Bash

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by Michael Hopkins 30 bass students in grades 6-12 attended the 2019 Bass Bash at the University of Michigan on Saturday, September 7, 2019. The festival was directed by MASTA President-Elect Michael Hopkins with U-M Bass faculty Max Dimoff, Robert Hurst, and Ranaan Meyer. Longtime MASTA members John Kennedy and Derek Weller also taught at […]

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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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