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2026 Conference Committee Roundtables

All conference attendees are encouraged to attend the committee roundtables to learn more about the activities and projects the committees are currently working on and to provide feedback and additional insights to the committee.

Committee roundtables will take place in Union Square 8, unless otherwise noted

Thursday, February 26

10:00-11:00 AM: Student Advisory Committee, Wellness Committee (Union Square 9)

12:30-1:30 PM: Studio Committee

2:00-3:00 PM: Mentorship Committee

3:30-4:30 PM: K-12 Committee

5:00-6:00 PM: Emeritus Committee, RIA Committee (Union Square 9)

Friday, February 27

10:00-11:00 AM: Conducting Committee

12:30-1:30 PM: Eclectic Styles Committee

2:00-3:00 PM: Research Committee

3:30-4:30 PM: College Committee

Saturday, February 28

10:00-11:00 AM: Advocacy Committee, Community Music Committee (Union Square 9)

11:30 AM-12:30 PM: ASTACAP Committee

Committee Roundtable Titles & Descriptions

ADVOCACY

Teaching, Reaching, Advocating: The Power of String Educators

Join our Advocacy Roundtable to share burning and evolving significant challenges to your program. Meant for all string educators, join national advocacy leaders to help you find solutions. The roundtable will be built around your questions, issues and concerns. We'd love to see you for this wonderful opportunity for a deep dive into advocacy strategies and solutions. Facilitators: Mary Wagner, Jenna Day, Lynn Tuttle, Denese Odegaard, John Sweat and members of the Advocacy Committee.

ASTACAP

WHAT’S NEW IN ASTACAP: A Guide through the New Handbook

Come join us as we share details about our exciting new ASTACAP Handbook and take a guided “tour” through what is included and highlight the new improvements. For those new to ASTACAP as well as those who have used it before, we’ll look at ways to integrate the syllabus into your own teaching. We look forward to comments and questions, and we will also share some success stories from students and teachers alike. Facilitators: Diane Chaplin, Lynn Ledbetter, Stephen Nordstrom, Colleen Tan, and members of the ASTACAP Committee

COLLEGE

Rethinking Admission and Audition Repertoire in University String Programs

This roundtable explores how admissions practices and repertoire requirements influence who enters university string programs. Participants examine the history and intent behind repertoire lists, how expectations align with current teaching goals, and the balance between tradition and inclusivity. The session invites dialogue on emergent and reinventive models of audition materials, requirements, and evaluative practices that reflect students’ musical identities and today’s pedagogical values. Facilitators: Johanna Gamboa-Kroesen, Kelsey Nussbaum, and members of the College Committee.

COMMUNITY MUSIC

The Business of Community Music: From Vision to Sustainability

Join a dynamic roundtable of community music leaders from across the nation as we explore the business side of running sustainable programs in today's shifting landscape. Panelists and attendees will share real-world experiences and perspectives on recruitment and retention, fundraising and development, and building authentic community engagement. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange their own challenges and successes, fostering a collective conversation around sustainability in community music. Facilitators: Ana Abrantes and members of the Community Music Committee

CONDUCTING

Conducting Masterclass: Conducting as Music Teaching

Join members of the ASTA Conducting Committee for an interactive masterclass exploring the art of conducting as a powerful form of music teaching. Select participants will engage in hands-on podium sessions, peer feedback, and guided discussion on gesture, communication, and pedagogy. This session highlights how effective conducting fosters musical understanding, empowers ensemble playing, and deepens connections between teacher, student, and sound. Ideal for educators and conductors at all levels. Everyone is encouraged to bring their instruments and batons to participate. Facilitators: Tammy Yi, Joel Schut, Bruce Walker, Renee Gilliland, Emily Schaad, Rotem Weinberg, and members of the Conducting Committee.

ECLECTIC STYLES

Visions of Eclectic Styles

Join members of the Eclectic Styles Committee for a brainstorming session! After updating attendees on our committee initiatives, we’ll start collaboratively defining our vision of teaching and learning eclectic styles. Topics will include: improvisation, teaching and learning by ear, repertoire selection, teaching music from diverse cultural origins, and lifelong music-making. We want to hear from you, so bring your thoughts to the roundtable! Facilitators: George Nicholson, David Philip Reesman

EMERITUS

Wisdom from the Ages and Aged: One-on-One Guidance from Master Teachers

Tap into decades of experience in this interactive session where ASTA Emeritus members share

their wisdom on essential topics in string teaching. The room will be set-up with themed stations

so that attendees can engage directly with veteran educators regarding areas such as recruiting, pedagogy, advocacy, funding, assessment, repertoire, and more. Choose the topics that matter most to you and receive personalized advice, insights, and encouragement from those who’ve shaped the profession across generations. Facilitators: Linda Cherniavsky, Bill Bitter, Mimi Butler, Bob Gillespie, Betsy Maliszewski, Denese Odegaard, Samuel Tsugawa, and members of the Emeritus Committee

K-12

Embracing the Future by Embracing Change

How do we, as K-12 string educators, thrive amidst constant change? This roundtable connects teachers at every career stage. We'll discuss navigating generational shifts, finding work-life harmony and a sense of belonging as a department of one, and our evolving teaching identities. Your experience, tips, and questions are welcome in this collaborative discussion. Join us to build community and explore the future of our profession together. Facilitators: Members of the K-12 Committee

MENTORSHIP

Empowering Educators: Mentors and Mentees Share Mentorship Success Stories

Discover the power of mentorship where mentors and mentees share their personal experiences and insights. Learn how supportive relationships enhance professional growth, improve teacher retention, and enhance student proficiency. Participants will hear first-hand stories about celebrating successes, navigating challenges, and fostering confidence in their mentees. Gain practical tips, best practices, and inspiration of successful mentors. Facilitators: Denese Odegaard, Del Whitman, Michael Simpson, and members of the Mentorship Committee

REPRESENTATION, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITY

Navigating the Current World’s Censorship

How can string teachers embrace creativity, curiosity and compassion as acts of resistance and resilience during challenging times? Join us as we discuss and share highlights of successful teaching strategies, activities, practices, and projects.

RESEARCH

Research for Whom? Towards a Research Agenda that Benefits All

Join the research committee for a discussion on the current state of research in the string community. In this roundtable, we will identify current strengths in the string research literature and work towards developing a robust research agenda addressing the most prescient needs of all of ASTA's constituencies. Facilitators: Kristen Pellegrino, Mary Elizabeth Henton, David Miller, and member of the Research Committee.

STUDENT ADVISORY

Show me the Money! Funding Success Through Community, Creativity, and Collaboration!

Whether you are a public school teacher, running a private studio, or looking to engage your community in music, funding can often feel like a large hurdle to your success. Traditional fundraisers and budgets are important, but what opportunities lie outside of this route? Join the Student Advisory Committee and hear from a panel of professionals who have found success through connection and creative solutions to secure funding for their programs. Facilitators: members of the Student Advisory Committee and guests

STUDIO

Technology in the Private Studio

How can technology best support teaching, learning, and connection in the private studio? This interactive roundtable invites string teachers to share ideas, tools, and strategies for integrating technology into lessons and studio management. From practice apps, digital sheet music, and recording tools to scheduling systems and online platforms, participants will explore practical applications that enhance both teaching and business operations. Whether you’re experimenting with new tech or have tried-and-true methods, join the conversation to exchange resources, ask questions, and learn from colleagues in a collaborative setting. Facilitators: Lindsay Genadek, Kathleen Hastings, Sophia Han, Carmen Lasceski-Custers, Mira Frisch, and members of the Studio Committee.

WELLNESS

Compassionate Conversations

Join members of the Wellness Committee as we facilitate discussion on topics including (but not limited to): avoiding burnout, classroom/studio culture, and self-care practices. Participants will have the opportunity to meet in roundtable sessions pertaining to each of these topics. Attendees are invited to come and discuss challenges and share successes from their professional and personal lives. Facilitators Nancy Conley, Daryl Silberman, Renny Tallman, and members of the Wellness Committee.