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.

ASTA National Conference

March 19-22, 2025 | Atlanta, Georgia

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Benefits of Membership

Become a member today!

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Our Sponsors

A special thank you to our sponsors for the 2024-2025 school year.

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BassFest – West 2019

Fifteen bass students in grades 6-12 attended BassFest – West 2019.  The event was held on Saturday, October 19 at East Rockford Middle School and was organized by Allison Holden, orchestra director at North Rockford Middle School. John Kennedy, Farmington Public Schools orchestra director, and Larry Hutchinson, former bassist in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, were

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University of Michigan Bass Bash

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

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

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

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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