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Mentor Programs
Learn more about our TWO mentoring programs below! 1. ASTA Mentor Program and 2. ASTA Eclectic Styles Jambassadors Mentorship Program.
ASTA Mentor Program
What is the ASTA Mentor Program?
ASTA is dedicated to providing support to string educators throughout their careers. Whether you are a beginning teacher, new to strings, or want to sharpen your skills, the ASTA Mentor Program can connect you with an experienced string education specialist.
The ASTA Mentor Program Committee matches mentees with a qualified mentor based on mentee areas of interest and mentor background. The mentee and mentor communicate through email, telephone, video chat, or in some cases face-to-face. Teaching observations (live or via video) may be included in mentor-mentee discussions. Some mentor-mentees also meet at the annual ASTA National Conference.
Learn more about the History of the ASTA Mentor Program HERE.
Applying to the Mentor Program
Mentee and Mentor Application Periods
- Summer: Call opens mid-May and closes late June; Notifications will be sent by late July
- Winter: Call opens mid-November and closes late December; Notifications will be sent by late January
*Applications also accepted outside of the periods listed above!
*Mentors are selected based on prior mentoring experience and ASTA mentee needs. Mentors are required to participate in at least one of the online mentor training session scheduled several times throughout the school year.
Eclectic Styles Jambassadors Mentorship Program
2025-2026 Applications have now CLOSED. Check back in April 2026 for 2026-2027 Applications.
Be part of ASTA’s new Jambassadors Mentorship Program
What is it?
- Jambassadors is a mentorship program which provides support and resources to develop performance, historical, and pedagogical expertise in a chosen style/genre of string performance and share their learning through professional development. Styles can be anything from fiddling to mariachi to R&B to new emerging types of musicianship - there is no limit to which genre you want to explore!
- Over the course of a year, a Jambassador will immerse themselves in one style of their choice through research, teaching, and performance. You will be guided towards rich resources on historical performance practice, key performers and repertoire within the style, and pedagogical applications for you and your students.
- Each Jambassador will be provided with 2 mentors based on chosen style and pedagogical setting. They will receive monthly virtual meetings to assist in goal setting, resources, and the development of the chosen style.
- At the culmination of the mentorship program, Jambassadors will present at the National ASTA conference and/or webinar where they share their work.
- Learn more! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Quk1BzWozM
What is required for eligibility?
- Be an active ASTA member at application and through the term of the program.
- Have established history within a string teaching setting.
- Curiosity towards a style or genre which is new to you.
When does this happen?
- Follow the link on the ASTA website to apply today. Note that application prompts can be answered via written text or video response.
- Applications are due Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
- Notification will be sent in early June 2025.
- The program will begin September 2025 and last through the end of 2026 ASTA National Conference in San Francisco - February 25- 28.
Where can I ask more questions?
- Reach out to George Nicholson, ASTA Eclectic Styles Committee: gnn2101@tc.columbia.edu