ASTA National Conference
February 25-28, 2026 | San Francisco, California
Marquette Musicians Bring Joy to the Community During a Socially-Distant Summer
By Janis Peterson The Marquette Symphony sponsors a summer Chamber Strings group (affectionately called Summer Strings) that just couldn’t survive without making music this year. Music was scanned so each player could have their own stand, masks were worn, and sidewalk chalk x’s were drawn 7 feet apart. The group had one rehearsal, and the
MASTA Professional Development Grant – Summer Learning
by Joe Harmsen Ah, summer. For teachers, it is a time of rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. While I certainly made time for these endeavors, my summer did not start out that way. Instead of sitting on a beach with a book and drink of choice in hand, I spent many long hours reading thousands of
MASTA May Online Gathering
Candace Chappell, MASTA Notes Editor, Ann Arbor Public Schools After about 6 weeks of online teaching with roughly 6 weeks to go, members of MASTA gathered online on Friday, May 1 via Zoom. The meeting was created and organized by Michael Hopkins, MASTA President-Elect. The topic of discussion: online teaching and learning. Teachers of all
MASTA Netcast
A few MASTA members got together and discussed some of the issues surrounding orchestra teaching and the Covid Pandemic. You can view the video here or download the audio to your preferred device and listen to the discussion. Please add your comments on the YouTube page or join the discussion on the MASTA Facebook post.
Chamber Music Festival
The 29th annual MASTA Chamber Music Festival was held on March 2, 2020 at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Guest artists and competition judges were the four members of the MUSE Ensemble: Maria Sampen, violin, Kyoko Kashiwagi, violin, Eva Stern, viola, and Katri Ervamaa, cello. Additional festival faculty included Marla Smith. The winning
My lesson with Danielle Belen
Lydia Knecht, Hillsdale Academy A short 30-minute lesson with one of the most important violin teachers in the world significantly impacted my life and musical dedication. When I was fourteen, my viola teacher arranged a lesson with Danielle Belen, acclaimed violinist and teacher at the University of Michigan. This lesson also served as an audition
Escanaba High School String Buddies – the Newest High School Chapter of ASTA
Please welcome a new Michigan HS Student Chapter of ASTA! They are a great example of the win-win that happens to the participants AND the program when students get involved with ASTA! Officers: Faculty Advisory / Treasurer: Mr. Joe Harmsen President: Ben Campbell Vice President: Kyra Magnuson Secretary: Zoe Spencer Activities: “String Buddies” after-school private
Tech Tip: Google Chrome Add-Ons for the Orchestra Classroom
Alison Holden, North Rockford Middle School I recently discovered a few Google Chrome Add-On’s that have made my beginning string classes faster paced, more efficient and productive, and lots more fun to teach! Although I have mostly used these Add-Ons in my beginning orchestra classroom, I can imagine their potential in ensemble rehearsals, as well.
Vote for the 2020 MASTA Teacher of the Year
It’s time to vote for the MASTA Teacher of the Year. In 2014, our organization began alternating this award between studio teachers and classroom teachers each year, and this is the year to award a studio teacher. Voting is open until January 6, 2020. Please read about each candidate below, and then cast your vote
Ann Arbor Suzuki Institute Celebrates 50th Year!
By Andrea Yun, Suzuki Cello Instructor The Ann Arbor Suzuki Institute celebrated its 50th year with a concert at Pease Auditorium in Ypsilanti on October 1, 2019. In attendance were all of the current Ann Arbor Suzuki Institute teachers, some past teachers, and all of the current students. Violin, viola, cello, and guitar students packed