The 2024 American String Teachers Association (ASTA) National Conference is collocating with the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) March 20-23 in Louisville, Kentucky. The theme for the event is – Expanding and Connecting Communities: Come explore the many possibilities for teaching, playing, and engaging in music making. Attendees will get to experience two conferences under the same roof, for one price! Pre-conference workshops, educational sessions, new music reading sessions, masterclasses featuring collegiate and pre-collegiate participants led by world-class artist-teachers, evening concerts, social events, jam sessions, and more!
Eleven Pre-Conference Workshops will be held on Wednesday, March 20 from 12:00-5:00 PM. A wide variety of session topics featuring the leading professionals in our field will be presented daily. Musicians will be performing in Music Showcases throughout the conference! And you won’t want to miss the exhibit hall – instruments, accessories, music, colleges, industry partners, and MORE!
Each day will open with exciting keynotes and performances!
Thursday
Vijay Gupta
University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, conducted by John Nardolillo
Friday
Sphinx Virtuosi
Suzuki Music Showcase
Saturday
Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser
The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music String Academy Virtuosi, directed by Mimi Zweig and Brenda Brenner
Evening performances include:
Thursday
Mike Block’s Biribá Union
Friday
Sphinx Virtuosi (public concert)
Saturday
Closing ceremony featuring ASTA’s National Orchestra Festival Grand Champions and the SAA Youth Ensembles
Additional activities include: “Join the Jam” facilitated by the ASTA Eclectic Styles Committee, and the “Wellness Lounge” facilitated by the ASTA Wellness Committee.
The National Orchestra Festival features middle, high school, and youth orchestras from across the United States. Conference attendees can attend the adjudicated performances and clinics on Thursday and Friday!
Saturday is ASTA Student Day, and we encourage all young participants and local pre-collegiate students to attend! The sessions will include a kick-off event hosted by Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser and sessions around the topics of advocacy, entrepreneurship, music careers, and college preparations.
