Jeffrey Lastrapes
I am cellist Jeffrey Lastrapes, Professor of Cello at Texas Tech University, and Instructor at the Interlochen Arts Camp. My education includes studies at Temple University, the Curtis Institute of Music, and The Juilliard School. My teachers were Orlando Cole and Harvey Shapiro. I maintain an active international career in solo, chamber, and orchestral performance. I have recorded for Centaur and New World Records. In 2020, I released a video production of the Complete Bach Solo Cello Suites. I recently presented the lecture "The Bow of Breath" at the 2025 European String Teachers Association annual conference in the Netherlands. TexASTA, our state chapter, honored me with the Phyllis Young Outstanding Studio Teacher Award in 2025. I'm proud of my current and former students. They hold tenure-track positions, perform professionally with regional orchestras, and serve as teachers and directors in school districts across the US. I am a disabled musician, and I welcome opportunities to inspire and inform others.
Personal Statement
Firstly, I am honored to be considered for this At-large position on the ASTA Board. ASTA has been an important resource for me since 1983, when I started cello in Middle School under our director, Gwen Armwood. My ASTA relationship continued through high school, college at Temple University, the Curtis Institute, and Juilliard. It continues to be a part of my life as I am now Professor of Cello and perform and teach around the world. ASTA service is important to me, and I want to serve our industry. I understand the value of ASTA at every level of my career. I use ASTA as both a resource and an inspiration. I love hearing, reading, and seeing new things come through ASTA. The string community has never been stagnant, and our national organization, ASTA, accurately represents the bustling activity and inspiration of us all. ASTA and string music are poised to flourish.
Leadership Experience
While my career can be seen as that of a performer/teacher, I have spent much time serving and building. My board service includes: *Curtis Institute of Music Alumni Board, the *The William Lincer Foundation *Youth Orchestras of Lubbock *And President and Co-founder of Caerus Ensemble, a non-profit chamber music outreach organization. My teaching, performing, and service all rely heavily on each other. My time spent as Director of String Ensembles at the Collegiate School in New York gave me a better understanding of how and why orchestra directors focus and succeed. My time spent as Chair of Strings at Texas Tech also plays a big role in how I work as a teacher and performer.
Response to Challenges in String Education
ASTA has a tremendous opportunity to communicate the power of our art as a brain-building, creative problem-solving juggernaut as we see AI taking over our educational institutions. Music, and string music specifically, can be one of the last places on high school and college campuses, where actual work is done, and real neurons are firing. The time is perfect for us to build on this growth opportunity by being focused, articulate, and united in our message.
Response to RIA
Inclusion is critical in our field if we are to stay honest as artists. All voices are relevant. Further, our efforts can enhance communities by bringing them into what we know to be a very special place. Everyone can thrive here. Communication is key when presenting the power of studying and playing string instruments. As a performer/teacher with a disability, I welcome questions and discussion about accessibility and opportunity.
Vision for ASTA
My vision for ASTA mirrors my own vision as a performing/teaching artist: To guarantee that the string community, young and old, is not only secure in its future but also for society to recognize the value, creativity, and humanity of our work. As technology continues to push its way into our everyday lives, string music education and performance must be a part of every curriculum, concert venue, and beyond. ASTA has and will continue to be relevant.