ASTA Member Benefits

• American String Teacher Journal
  Every quarter, our award-winning, peer-reviewed journal keeps members informed of developments and news within the string profession. AST provides feature articles and regular columns, including Master Class, Member2Member, and Teaching Tips, as well as other important educational information.
• Affordable Instrument Insurance
  ASTA members receive an impressive savings of more than 40 percent off annual minimum instrument insurance rates through Merz-Huber Co. Your membership must stay current in order to enjoy these valuable savings. Visit www.merzhuber.com or call 610-544-2323 for more information. 
• Group Insurance Programs
  Through the Forrest T. Jones Co., ASTA members are eligible for a variety of insurance coverage, such as liability, life, auto, identity theft, health, and more. Visit www.ftj.com/ASTA for details.
• String Research Journal
  Members enjoy online access to ASTA's newest scholarly publication, the String Research Journal. Hardcopy subscriptions are also available.
• Comprehensive ASTA Website
  The ASTA website is filled with information about each program ASTA administers. Whether you are looking for job openings, grants, string industry contacts, awards, competitions, or the latest news, you will find it at www.astaweb.com. As a member, you also have access to content reserved exclusively for members.
• Online Discussion Groups
  The ASTA eCommunities provide members with an online forum for networking with colleagues, posing questions to peers, or seeking assistance.  
• Access to String-Related Job Opportunities
  String-related job opportunities are posted to the ASTA website on a continuing basis, providing members with a current list of vacancies in the profession.
• Competitions and Contests 
  Members and their students are eligible to compete in ASTA competitions, such as the National Orchestra Festival, National High School Honors Orchestra, National Solo Competition, Eclectic Strings Festival, and the Merle J. Isaac Composition Contest.   
• State Chapter Membership
  Membership dues include membership in your state chapter. State chapter membership offers many benefits, including local networking, conferences, workshops, newsletters, and more.
• Conferences
  As an ASTA member, you receive a substantial discount on national conference registration fees. Our annual conference is designed to benefit string professionals representing all levels and styles.
• Professional Development Programs
  ASTA offers several professional development programs for string educators. These include the Certificate Advancement Program (ASTACAP), as well as access to professional development hours and/or college credit for those attending the national conference.
• String Industry Council
  The String Industry Council builds a bridge between string teachers and players and corporate America. The Council encourages companies to support the string community, and the String Industry Council Directory serves as a valuable resource to ASTA members. Many Council members also offer discounts to current ASTA members. For more information, visit the String Industry Council section of this site.
• Advocacy and Outreach
  ASTA members have access to myriad resources designed to strengthen string programs, including a DVD, posters, and complimentary "Why Strings?" brochures. The association also provides tailored letters and emails for string programs requesting assistance. We monitor national arts education issues and keep members informed of important trends and legislation.