ASTA is seeking college/university student member volunteers to assist with the operation of the 2027 National Conference.

Serving as a Student Volunteer at the ASTA National Conference will benefit you, your school, and ASTA! This is an incredible opportunity to network with string teachers, performers, and scholars. You will give back to our profession on a national stage.

Student Volunteers play an important role in supporting the premier event in string education. Participation as a Student Volunteer is an excellent addition to résumés, CVs, graduate school applications, and future professional opportunities.

College students seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees or certifications will be considered. ASTA membership is not required to apply.

Conference Volunteers will:

• Work together as a volunteer team: Tuesday, February 23, estimated 12:00 - 6:00 PM (Instrument and big equipment deliveries) AND Wednesday, February 26, estimated 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM (Setting up conference rooms)
• Choose their Volunteer Pathway that will decide the number of hours they work during the conference (Wednesday, February 24 – Saturday, February 27). This will allow you to attend sessions and concerts, connect with colleagues, and engage in the National Conference and the National Orchestra Festival. You will indicate your shift availability in the application. You can view the Schedule At-A-Glance and Preliminary Schedule in early September.
• Work together as a volunteer team: Saturday, February 27, estimated from 2:00 – 6:00 PM (Tear down!)

Student Volunteers are expected to:

• Arrive on time and prepared for assigned shifts
• Maintain a professional and welcoming demeanor
• Work collaboratively with fellow volunteers, staff, presenters, and attendees
• Communicate respectfully and proactively
• Serve as ambassadors for ASTA and the string teaching profession
• Assist in a fast-paced conference environment while maintaining flexibility and professionalism

Student Volunteer Pathways

Multiple pathways are available to best suit the desired conference experience. All pathways include the pre-conference set-up and post-conference clean-up times.

The choice in pathway will not affect the tasks you are assigned, just the number of hours you will volunteer during the conference and the reimbursement/benefit you receive.

The estimated total value of volunteer benefits exceeds $20 per volunteer hour.

Pre- and Post-Conference Pathway ONLY (No conference shifts)

• 50% off ASTA Student Membership (could apply immediately or for the next year)
• 50% off 2027 ASTA National Conference Registration
• Meals: Tuesday lunch, Wednesday breakfast, and Saturday lunch (3 meals)

The following pathways include the pre-conference AND post-conference work times, PLUS:

20 volunteer hours during conference (Five 4-hour shifts)

• FREE One-year ASTA Student Membership
• FREE 2027 ASTA National Conference Registration
• FREE 2027 ASTA Virtual String Teachers Summit Registration (just to attend!!)
• Meals: Tuesday lunch, Wednesday breakfast, Wednesday lunch, Thursday lunch, Friday, lunch, Saturday breakfast, Saturday lunch (7 meals)
• Priority preferred scheduling as the schedule allows

16 volunteer hours during conference (Four 4-hour shifts):

• FREE One-year ASTA Student Membership
• FREE 2027 ASTA National Conference Registration
• FREE 2027 ASTA Virtual String Teachers Summit Registration (just to attend!!)
• Meals: Tuesday lunch, Wednesday breakfast, Wednesday lunch, Thursday lunch, Friday, lunch, Saturday lunch (6 meals)

12 volunteer hours during conference (Three 4-hour shifts):

• 50% off ASTA Student Membership for 1 year
• FREE 2027 ASTA National Conference Registration
• FREE 2027 ASTA Virtual String Teachers Summit Registration (just to attend!!)
• Meals: Tuesday lunch, Wednesday breakfast, Wednesday lunch, Saturday lunch (4 meals)

8 volunteer hours during conference (Two 4-hour shifts)

• 50% off ASTA Student Membership (could apply immediately or for the next year)
• FREE 2027 ASTA National Conference Registration
• FREE 2027 ASTA Virtual String Teachers Summit Registration (just to attend!!)
• Meals: Tuesday lunch, Wednesday breakfast, and Saturday lunch (3 meals)

Recognition

Student Volunteers will receive:

• Official recognition of service at the ASTA National Conference
• Documentation of volunteer/service hours upon request
• Opportunities to network with ASTA leadership and colleagues
• A unique national service and leadership experience within the string profession
• Discounted or complimentary ASTA membership (immediate or future dated)
• Discounted or complimentary event registrations

Application Information and Materials Needed:

ASTA seeks student volunteers who demonstrate professionalism, reliability, initiative, collaboration, and enthusiasm for the string teaching profession.

Selection as a Student Volunteer is considered a leadership opportunity within the ASTA community.

Because volunteer positions are limited, all applicants may not be selected. Applications will be reviewed based on:

• Availability and scheduling flexibility
• Prior volunteer or leadership experience
• Professional references
• Communication and teamwork skills
• Conference operational needs

Materials Needed to submit your application:

- Provide a list of previous volunteer experience, including the organization/company you were volunteering with and your roles/responsibilities

- List any unique skills you feel would benefit the national conference operations.

- Indicate the types of volunteer roles you are interested in

• Conference Master Class Student Guide: Master Class students and collaborative pianists will check-in prior to their performance. You will show them the warm-up room and introduce them to the collaborative pianist.
• Conference Session Room Assistant: Assist session presenters/presiders as needed: technology hook-ups and any other needs. Assist attendees with session room, bathroom, drinking fountain, etc. locations. Be a welcoming and knowledgeable contact to help guide attendees.
• NOF Assistant: Assist in preparing and disseminating music scores, audio recordings, and any other needs of our clinicians and adjudicators.
• NOF Stagehand: Assist with stage set up and other equipment between performing groups. Assist director and students with last-minute setup changes.
• NOF Student Group Guides: Greet and lead groups through the NOF performance process: check-in, uncasing, warm-up, stage performance, clinic, and case-up.
• I’m open to any role available

- Indicate your shift preferences

- List any mobility requirements

- List sessions/events you want to attend, we will try to schedule around this as much as possible

- Provide the Name, Email, and Institution of an ASTA member reference. This person should know your work ethic and group interaction skills.

Faculty members are encouraged to recommend students to apply who demonstrate strong leadership potential, professionalism, dependability, and a commitment to the future of string education.

APPLICATIONS DUE: October 1, 2026

*Notifications will be sent by early November. If an applicant is not selected, the applicant will still have time to register to attend the national conference at the Early Bird student rate that closes Friday, November 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT.