Return: Learn Strings / Student Chapters

Below is information to help you start your student chapter, build your network of peers, and become an active part of the ASTA student community.

Plan Chapter Events

Holding regular events is a great way to keep your chapter members involved and motivated. Social events are just as important as music and education events. Try hosting at least one event per month during the school year.

1. A kickoff event early in the school year will bring together returning students and incoming freshman.

• Food and games will engage members and increase the possibility of recruiting new members
• ASTA can provide swag for events—pens, magnets, stickers, and more (see Resources below);
• ASTA can reimburse your chapter up to $50 for refreshments (see Resources below);
• Partner with fellow music education organizations (NAfME, ACDA) to help fund events and reach new people

2. Host a music reading session.

3. Volunteer at local schools or start a string project at your university.

4. Bring in local speakers and teachers to present on a range of topics, such as:

• How to survive your first year of teaching
• Gigging and freelancing
• How to set up a private studio
• Injury prevention and physical wellness
• Mental wellness and burnout
• Recruiting and retention in your music program
• Teaching chamber music
• Technology in the classroom
• Improvisation
• Student teacher panel
• Rehearsal techniques
• Repertoire selection
• Eclectic styles (fiddle music/jazz/rock/pop)
• Mock interviews
• Instrument repairs and maintenance
• Faculty/Teacher Q&A

5. Plan and attend ASTA events as individuals or as a student chapter (National Conference, Virtual Summit, student-focused webinars and events)

Advertise Your Events

Promoting events is important! Make posters and social media posts to advertise your upcoming events. Email lists are another great way to communicate with your members. Consider inviting local teachers to make guest presentations at your meeting. Have your calendar of events outlined in advance.

Fundraising

Fundraising can help your student chapter defray the cost of events and trips.

1. Check with restaurants to see if they will host a fundraising event with your chapter.

• Some restaurants may donate 10-25% of their proceeds during a period of time to your student chapter
• Applications can often be found on restaurant websites
• Some chain restaurants that allow fundraising: Chipotle, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, California Pizza Kitchen, Blaze Pizza, Buffalo Wild Wings, Boston Market, Raising Canes, Applebee’s, Noodles and Company, Panera, Panda Express, Buca di Beppo
• Get the word out about your event—post flyers, post on social media, and invite as many people as possible

2. Host a bake sale. (Check campus regulations)

3. Sell refreshments at concerts.

4. Sell custom t-shirts for your ASTA student chapter or school ensemble.

Grants and Sponsorships

Grants and sponsorships can be an easy way to get funding for guest speakers or chapter trips.

• Check with your university and school of music for available travel grants and programming funds
• The Foundation for the Advancement of String Education (FASE) offers grants for students and groups to use for professional development and teacher training
• Have a local music shop or luthier co-sponsor an event with your chapter
• Look for sponsorships with local businesses

Recruiting and Retaining Your Members

1. Hold a wide variety of events, get the word out, and invite EVERYONE!

2. Maintain an active social media presence and share information with friends.

3. Plan and attend ASTA events as individuals or as a student chapter (National Conference, Virtual Summit, student-focused webinars and events).

Prepare for Future Student Chapter Board Members

Transitioning from one student chapter board to the next can be difficult as students graduate and move on. The best way to sustain an active chapter is to ensure there are motivated individuals ready to take over year after year.

1. Create officer notebooks with everything a future chapter leader would need to know, including:

• How to register your student chapter with the ASTA national office each year
• Officer roles and responsibilities
• What events you host or attend regularly
• Notes about your bylaws and constitution
• How to hold elections for the next year
• Tips about past fundraisers
• Financial information, including signatories and accounts
• Social media account information
• Standard operating procedures

2. Encourage younger members of the chapter to be involved with decision making and event planning; leadership experience is a great resume item.

3. Train younger members to take over your position and responsibilities.

4. Younger members are more likely to stay involved in student activities if they are involved their first year; this will help to enhance longevity and prevent student turnover.

ASTA Service Opportunities & Events

Learn, Perform, and Serve

As an ASTA Student Member, you are a member of our national association, your state chapter, and then you can elect to be a member of your local Student Chapter if your campus houses one. This means you have access to so many incredible opportunities for professional development, musical experiences, and service opportunities!

State Student Events

Learn more by examining your state chapter's webpage. There are likely events, camps, performance, and service opportunities specifically for you! Network and connect with ASTA members in your state!

ASTA National Student Committee Service & Events

Student Advisory Committee

ASTA Committees include the Student Advisory Committee. This committee of Student Members helps to engage and grow the string college student community; represents the needs of string students; provides guidance on current topics, trends, and specific focus areas; selects award winners. Applications for a 2-year term can be submitted in the spring.

Community Groups

In the new ASTA platform, connect in GROUPS! You can join your state chapter and the Student Topics group. Soon, there will be a Students group as well! Join groups for each of your interest areas!

Events

Events include eLearning Webinars, the Virtual String Teachers Summit (July), and the National Conference (March)

eLEARNING WEBINARS

Learn more in the EVENTS tab. Engage with a variety of speakers and topics, from home, school, or wherever in the world you are!

VIRTUAL STRING TEACHERS SUMMIT (July)

• Submit a Session and/or Research Poster Proposal to present at the summit! Proposals are typically due in early December.
• Attend the Student Advisory Committee Roundtable. This is a time for the committee to connect with all student members and direct their work.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE (March)

• Apply to serve as a Student Volunteer to assist with the operation of the conference!
• Audition to perform in the Collegiate Master Classes. Selected performers participate in a master class with a world-class clinician!
• Submit a Session and/or Research Poster Proposal to present at the conference! Session Proposals are typically due in early June. Research Poster Proposals are typically due in mid-October.
• Attend the Student Advisory Committee Roundtable. This is a time for the committee to connect with all student members and direct their work.
• Register to participate as a Conference Attendee. Individual student conference registrations are set at a reduced rate. Consider attending on your own or with your entire student chapter!

Seek Out University Funding

• Most colleges and universities want to see their students attend national conferences to enhance their education, meet professionals in their field, and represent the university. Check with your school to see if funding options are available.
• Become an official student group through your school’s Student Government Association. The SGA may offer additional funding opportunities.
• Tie your trip to a research study. Your university may have funds to promote graduate and /or undergraduate research.
• Your school of music may have funds designated for travel grants.