ASTA National Conference
February 25-28, 2026 | San Francisco, California
MASTA Grant Aids Rural Orchestra Program
By Joe Harmsen Thanks to the generosity of MASTA through the Program Grant, the Escanaba Orchestra program was able to hire much-needed sectional and small ensemble coaches during the 2017-2018 school year. Escanaba is a small town in the Upper Peninsula with a population of just over 12,000 people. There are over 120 students in
MASTA fun at MYAF 2018
By Janis Peterson The Michigan Youth Arts Festival is always a source of pride and joy! Spending a weekend with people who are dedicated and passionate about the arts is inspiring, invigorating, and reaffirming. The students involved have achieved remarkable levels of proficiency. They have incredible talent and remarkable work ethic. The MASTA Chamber Fest
Not Your Typical Teacher
By Nyssa Rabinowitz Violin Teacher at the Rochester Conservatory of Music Daughter of MASTA Teacher of the Year for 2018, Marla Smith When you walk into my mom’s studio, it doesn’t look like your typical teaching space. Hundreds of violin bottles line the walls, a “no whining” sign hangs prominently and music
United We “String” – Professional Development Opportunities
United We “String” Professional Development Opportunities Ellen Boyer, MASTA Member at Large 1. ASTA’s Mentoring Program Deadline is July 1, 2018 The July 1st deadline to enroll in next year’s mentoring program is fast approaching. Both mentors and mentees are needed. Click here to read more about this great program. 2. MASTA Mentoring Opportunities Michigan
Studio Teacher Workshop
MASTA will sponsor a FIRST-EVER workshop for private teachers this summer on Monday, Aug. 6th at CMU. The day will begin with registration at 9 AM followed by hour-long sessions (free lunch) until 3:30 PM. There will be time for questions and group discussion. The fee for MASTA members is only $25/non members only $75. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance suitable for
John Kendall Teacher Scholarship
The John Kendall Teacher Scholarship awards one $400 scholarship for the Blue Lake Suzuki Family Camp to a Michigan teacher taking Violin Book 1 training. The deadline to apply for the 2018 scholarship is April 15. John Kendall Teacher Scholarship Application
2018 MASTA Chamber Music Festival Wrap Up
By Michael Hopkins The 27th annual MASTA Chamber Music Festival was held on February 26, 2018 at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Guest artists and competition judges were the four members of the Ambassador String Quartet: Sunmi Chang, violin Judy Lin Wu, violin Caroline Coade, viola Caroline Kim, cello. Additional festival faculty included
2018 MMC in Review
The 2018 MMC was a huge success. From the concerts and sessions to the meetings and receptions, every minute was worthwhile. Listed below are a few highlights: The teacher orchestra, conducted by Alan MacNair, premiered a new piece by Bob Phillips in memory of string teacher, Jenny McGraw. Her family attended the concert. INSPIRING! Also on
BassFest West Information
The West Bass Workshop will be held on May 19th at East Rockford Middle School. Registration deadline is May 5th. All the info is now posted on the BassFest page.
BassFest East is Coming Up
The East Bass Workshop will be held on Feb. 10th at North Farmington High School. Registration cost goes up after Jan. 20th, so register now! All the info is located on the BassFest page.