Nicole DeGuire

Nicole DeGuire is Associate Director of Orchestras at Carmel High School, current President of Indiana ASTA and an avid freelance violinist. Earning her Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance with Honors at Butler University, she went on to complete her Master of Music in Violin Performance and Literature, and an Orchestral Studies Diploma from The Eastman School of Music. Nicole has extensive orchestral experience performing with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, and Fort Wayne Philharmonic. She is the Indiana All-State Orchestra Coordinator, an ISSMA State Board Member, and has served as faculty for Music For All National Festival and Summer Symposium. She has presented sessions at ASTA, The Midwest Clinic, CASMEC, IMEA Conn-Selmer and absolutely loves serving as a guest clinician for both middle and high school orchestras. Ms. DeGuire was the 2020 Indiana ASTA High School Orchestra Teacher of the Year.

Personal Statement

The sheer joy and immense impact music has had on me over the years is indescribable. It has shaped me into the person, teacher and musician I am today, and for that I am so thankful. I remember the excitement that came from meeting my piano and violin teacher for the first time and my very first lesson. I remember how exciting it was to learn my first piece, my first recital, my first audition, my first experience playing in orchestra. I even remember the first lesson I taught, the first concert I conducted…all of these experiences were so special and happened because of my teachers. Their guidance, passion, and mentorship taught me more than just notes. Because of my teachers, I will continue to advocate to make string education accessible and to instill a lifelong love of music to all of my students like my teachers did for me.

Leadership Experience

My experience serving as a leader in a nonprofit/arts education organization has been very enriching and rewarding, aligning also with the passion and dedication that I have for my profession. I absolutely love working with people and learning from them, especially because of the shared goals and desire to make a positive difference. I have enjoyed helping to build and grow a supportive community, and enjoy being part of that community as well.

Response to Challenges in String Education

There are some significant challenges we’re faced with in string education. A few of those are teacher recruitment and retainment, lack of proper resources, and funding. Increasing awareness of resources and support systems teachers have access to such as the ASTA Teacher Mentor Program, better connecting with our state and collegiate ASTA Chapters and becoming knowledgeable on grants, sponsorships, and other funds possibly available, can serve as starting points to help mitigate these issues.

Response to RIA

Diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in string education are absolutely essential for enriching learning. Our country continues to become more diverse, making it important for the string student and string educator to study and be exposed to a wide variety of musical styles, cultures and genres. With ASTA driven initiatives that can make string playing more accessible, adapting our teaching and opportunities, we can ensure each of our students are able to fully participate.

Vision for ASTA

My vision for ASTA moving forward is to continue to offer the incredible sessions at the National Conference and Virtual String Teachers Summit and that together, we can find new, exciting and relevant ways to bring string education to classrooms, studios and the stage. I hope that we can also empower all of our learners through creative expression, cultural understanding, in an environment where music fosters a sense of belonging and connects us all.