National Foundation to Promote String Teaching and Playing

Abstract

The mission of the National Foundation to Promote String Teaching and Playing, a division of ASTA with NSOA, is to advance string education and performance throughout our nation and around the world by sponsoring a variety of programs and projects for students, teachers, performers, and string industry professionals.

A DIVISION OF AMERICAN STRING TEACHERS ASSOCIATION with NATIONAL SCHOOL ORCHESTRA ASSOCIATION

Grants

Through a series of project grants, ASTA with NSOA provides funding to members for a variety of programs and initiatives aimed at advancing string education on local and state levels. Grants are available only to ASTA with NSOA members and are made possible through contributions from the String Industry Council as well as contributions from individuals interested in advancing the profession.

Instrument & Bow Outreach Initiatives

Through partnership with members of the String Industry Council, each year ASTA with NSOA provides instruments and bows to deserving students, teachers, studios, and schools through a variety of outreach initiatives.

Awards

ASTA with NSOA has always focused on acknowledging leadership, service, and excellence in string education. Each year we recognize teachers, faculty, artists, performers, and leaders who are making worthwhile and lasting contributions to the organization and to the string community. These awards include: Artist Teacher Award; Elizabeth A. H. Green School Educator Award; Paul Rolland Lifetime Achievement Award; Traugott Rohner Leadership in the Music Industry Award; the Marvin J. Rabin Community Service Award; and the Isaac Stern International Award.

Competitions and Contests

Opportunities provided to string musicians for showcasing their talents and achievements have become one of the hallmarks of ASTA with NSOA. Winners of previous ASTA with NSOA competitions and contests have gone on to make their own individual mark on the string profession. These include the biennial National Solo Competition and the Merle J. Isaac Composition Contest. The ASTA with NSOA Foundation also sponsors the National High School Honors Orchestra, a biennial orchestra festival and concert that showcases the talents of 150 of the most promising high school string musicians in the nation.

You Can Make a Difference

You can make a difference in the future of string education and performance through your support of the National Foundation to Promote String Teaching and Playing. Contributions from those committed to string education and performance directly support the grants, instrument and bow outreach initiatives, awards, and competitions and contests that comprise the National Foundation to Promote String Teaching and Playing.

Supporters of the Foundation will receive recognition in the American String Teacher journal and on the ASTA with NSOA website. You can designate your contribution to support the Foundation as a whole or one of the many initiatives that fall under it.