May 20, 2008   

ASTA Announces 15th Biennial National Solo Competition

Fairfax, Va.---The 15th biennial National Solo Competition of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) takes place March 18-21, 2009, at Georgia State University’s (GSU) Meadows School of the Arts. The competition features four days of string playing by 50 of the best and brightest young musicians in the United States. National finalists advance to the final competition through rigorous state and semi-final rounds to compete for cash prizes in the instrumental categories of violin, viola, cello, double bass, classical guitar, and harp.       

Players compete in two divisions: the Junior Division, which includes musicians under the age of 19 as of March 18, 2009, and the Senior Division, which includes musicians ages 19 to 25 as of March 18, 2009. The competition is open to ASTA members or current students of ASTA members. To advance to the national finals, participants must first qualify at the state level. National finalists will perform a repertoire of required musical pieces as well as pieces of their choice.

A complete list of National Solo Competition rules and guidelines, including information on eligibility, required repertoire, taping, state competitions, fees, entry forms, and the final competition, is available online at www.astaweb.com.

The National Solo Competition is held in conjunction with ASTA’s national conference, which also encompasses the Alternative Styles Awards, the National Orchestra Festival, and educational seminars—as well as an exhibit hall featuring the latest product and service offerings from diverse music industry professionals. With the exception of the Solo Competition and the National Orchestra Festival, both held on the GSU campus, all national conference events will be held at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta.

The first National Solo Competition took place April 12, 1978 in Chicago, Illinois. Past winners include famed violinist Joshua Bell (1981), Andres Diaz (1983), Wendy Warner (1986 and 1990), and Jennifer Koh (1992).  

The American String Teachers Association is committed to advancing string education and performance in the United States and around the world. Its 11,500 members include educators, performers, string industry representatives, students, and string enthusiasts.