Return: Get Involved / Conference & Summit / 2025 Virtual String Teachers Summit

Monday, July 14 - 12:00-12:45 PM ET

Out of the Box: A Musical Journey with Special Friends

Everyone’s musical journey is unique. This session will introduce strategies that will help string teachers collaborate with the special needs community to help guide their musical journey. Strategies, experiences and stories will be shared helping everyone learn more about students with special needs, and the incredible impact music can have on everyone’s lives.

Recipient of the American String Teachers Association Elizabeth A. H. Green Award for a distinguished career in string teaching, James Palmer is the Orchestra Director at Allatoona High School in Acworth, Georgia, the Music Director for the Youth Orchestras of Greater Columbus in Columbus, Georgia and an editor, arranger, and featured clinician for Alfred Music. Mr. Palmer has published 23 compositions and arrangements and is the Co-Author of Sound Orchestra: A Full Orchestra Method book.

Tuesday, July 15 - 12:00-12:45 PM ET

Keys Towards Engagement: Transforming Teaching Through Belonging and Dignity

This keynote explores how embracing cultural diversity and fostering belonging can transform string teaching and student engagement. By honoring diverse musical traditions, valuing students’ lived experiences, and creating inclusive learning spaces, educators can deepen connections and inspire meaningful growth. Through stories, research, and practical strategies, we will reimagine engagement as more than participation—it's a commitment to equity, representation, and student-centered learning that empowers every musician to thrive.

Stanford Thompson is Executive Director of Equity Arc and a principal of Goldsmith Strategies where he is a leading national voice in arts education and leadership, specializing in promoting cultural equity and driving transformative change within underrepresented cultural communities. As the founder and former leader of Play On Philly, Stanford guided the organization for thirteen years, gaining international recognition for its use of music as a tool for social change. He also served as the Founding Board Chairman of El Sistema USA and Equity Arc, where he led complex strategic planning and organizational design initiatives that impact the lives of over 35,000 students across the country. A proud graduate of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Talent Development Program, Stanford holds degrees from the Curtis Institute of Music and New England Conservatory.

Monday, July 14

1:00-1:45 PM

J.W. Pepper

From Bow to Business: Self-Publishing & Licensing for String Educators

PRESENTER: Isaac Brooks

LISTEN & LEARN: Unlock the essentials of self-publishing, copyright law, and music licensing tailored for string teachers, composers, and arrangers. Learn how to legally share, sell, and adapt music while protecting your work and respecting others’. This practical session will demystify common myths and empower you to publish confidently and creatively.

Yamaha

Meaningful and Manageable: Using Peers to Build Inclusive Ensembles

PRESENTERS: Kenny Baker, Julie Duty, & Heather Mansell

PANEL DISCUSSION: Music education has the potential to transform lives, but adding “one more thing” can seem daunting, especially for a teacher whose plate is already full. This session will offer strategies to support teachers to include every student and promote equitable collaboration between students with and without disabilities. United Sound distributes the workload to peer mentors, transforming the idea of inclusion into one of joy, while also building stronger, more engaged musicians and ensembles.

2:00-2:45 PM

Fons by MakeMusic

Run Your Studio Like a Pro: Simplify Scheduling, Billing, and Communication with Fons

PRESENTER: Eric Branner

LISTEN & LEARN: Fons is a modern business platform designed specifically for independent music teachers. Automate billing, scheduling, and communication so you can focus on what you love—teaching. Fons saves hours of admin time each week and helps educators grow sustainable, professional studios. Built by teachers, for teachers, Fons is the easiest way to run your business beautifully and get paid on time—every time.

3:00-3:45 PM

Alfred Music

Making Music Together: Fostering Individual and Ensemble Skills To Help Your Students Develop Into Well-Rounded Musicians

PRESENTER: Jim Palmer

LISTEN & LEARN: Join Jim Palmer as he discusses using "Sound Performance for Young Musicians" to encourage students' individual solo skills and support their chamber music abilities in duets or trios. "Sound Orchestra" focuses on developing ensemble skills: listening, balance, blend, intonation, pitch matching, articulation, and rhythm. Together, these resources will support your effort in providing well-rounded skill development for your students, all while having fun!

4:00-4:45 PM

Huntington T Block Insurance

Insuring your Instruments: HTB's Musical Instrument Insurance Program for ASTA Members

PRESENTERS: Casey Wigglesworth, Piden Sok, & Isaura Tabora

LISTEN & LEARN: Whether you are a student, a teacher, perform in a string quartet, or you are a conductor for a symphony orchestra, through our specialized program, ASTA members receive broad insurance coverage on musical instruments. Our program offers policy limits and terms tailored to the unique needs of each insured so if a claim occurs, the performance will go on. More than 3,500 ASTA members insure their instruments through the HTB Musical Instrument Insurance Program.

Tuesday, July 15

1:00-1:45 PM

MakeMusic

Warm Up to Wrap Up: A Complete Creative Approach to Achieving Excellence in The Orchestra Classroom

PRESENTER: Jim Palmer

LISTEN & LEARN: This session will present a variety of techniques for helping the teacher transfer warm-up exercises and rehearsal strategies to the repertoire.

3:00-3:45 PM

DogSmile Music

Adding Diversity to your Music Library with 25 Duetos Latinoamericanos, Vol. 1

PRESENTERS: Nicolás Repetto, Bianca d'Avila do Prado, & Dión Morales

NEW MUSIC READING SESSION: Discover how 25 Duetos Latinoamericanos, Vol. 1 can bring cultural richness and musical diversity to your chamber music library. This collection features thoughtfully arranged duets that are accessible, engaging, and progressive, ranging from Grades 0.5 to 2.5, for violin, viola, cello, and bass. Representing traditional folk songs from Latin America, these pieces offer opportunities to explore rhythmic variety, expressive melodies, and cultural context—connecting students to the musical traditions of Latin America while supporting their musical development.

D'Addario

Beyond the Score: Jazz Improvisation for Full Orchestra

PRESENTER: Sue Buzzard

LISTEN & LEARN: Introduce your orchestra students to jazz improvisation techniques, helping them develop creativity and flexibility – the kind of skills that will benefit them in the classroom, onstage, and beyond.