Outstanding NSPC String Project Award
2026 Outstanding NSPC String Project Awardee
Stephen F Austin State University
Alba Madrid -Director/Master Teacher
The SFA Strings Project is an educational initiative at Stephen F. Austin State University designed to provide high-quality string instruction to students of all ages and skill levels. In partnership with the Nacogdoches Independent School District, the Lufkin Independent School District, and the East Texas Boys and Girls Club, the program strives to make string education accessible throughout East Texas.
This collaboration not only enhances the musical landscape of East Texas but also provides valuable teaching experience for SFA students, benefiting both the community and aspiring musicians.
Through the program, students have the opportunity to take private lessons, participate in the SFA Youth Orchestra, and collaborate with local artists, enriching their musical experience beyond traditional classroom settings. The program also offers group lessons and performance opportunities, fostering both individual growth and community engagement.
Applications open Fall 2026
2027 Outstanding NSPC String Project Application
Outstanding NSPC String Project Award
The ASTA Outstanding NSPC String Project Award is given annually to an NSPC String Project site that not only exemplifies the mission of the NSPC, but also positively influences the community in which they cultivate new generations of highly qualified music educators and culturally diverse string instrument education opportunities for students.
What information will you need to complete the online application?
An NSPC site may apply to be considered for the award every 4 years.
Site information including number of students and teachers for 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025.
Detail the following activities your site has participated in during the last year (September 2024-September 2025)
- Recruitment activities
- Concert activities
- Types of classes offered
Extended responses to the following questions:
- Describe your site recruitment activities in detail.
- Describe how your site meets or exceeds the NSPC mission: "Training tomorrow's string educators while providing accessible string instruction opportunities for youth and adults."
- What makes your site unique or outstanding?
- What has been the impact on the community and/or the student teachers?
Additional evidence in the form of special project activity documentation and letters of support from students, parents, teachers, alumni, and community members
*The NSPC board requires that a representative (director and/or teachers) of the Outstanding NSPC String Project Award be present to accept the award and participate in the NSPC Best Practices session at the ASTA Conference. If student teachers are not able to attend in person, a video of Best Practices is requested in lieu of an in-person presentation at the conference. Please reference the ASTA National Conference schedule for session date/time, posted by early October.
2026 Applications are DUE October 1, 2025.
Notifications will be sent in early November 2025.
Previous Awardees
South Georgia String Project
2025
Northern Kentucky University
2024
University of Texas at San Antonio
2023
McNeese State University
2022
Virginia Tech University
2021
Texas Tech University
2020
University of Texas at Austin
2019
University of South Carolina
2018
SOAR String Project at Ithaca College
2017