Melissa Brun Strings Workshop
2023-04-23 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Melissa Brun strings workshop
Strings 101 Workshop with Melissa Brun from D’Addario
This Virtual clinic is free for students and teachers. It delivers a fun and interactive presentation about the string-making process, how to care for strings, why strings make a difference, and how to make thoughtful string choices. The clinic takes place via Zoom and D’Addario will also offer a 50% off discount code to use on future purchases, which can be passed along to students and their families.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfhlo4dnXZSOYXyYkl9LhaE9UnYi67qlpBxdHNAvyrw_9vtNw/viewform?usp=sf_link

Masterclass with Michelle Kim
2023-04-29 14:00 - 16:00
Free and Open Masterclass with Michelle Kim
Saturday April 29, 2-4pm at the Mondzac Performing Arts Center at Landon School
Assistant Concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic
Map of Landon Campus: https://www.landon.net/about#campusmap
Register:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_srXk06wIJXLvofzSmD0uW3yObXMonRlPT5Ir9F4DVzTl6w/viewform?usp=sf_link

CELLOBRATION 2023 with Julian Schwarz!
2023-05-21 | Strathmore Hall, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD, 20852, United States
CELLOBRATION 2023
with guest artist
Julian Schwarz!
PLAY IN AN ALL-CELLO ORCHESTRA!
REGISTER HERE!

Sunday, May 21, 1:00-5:00 pm
Cellobration will be held at Levine Music at the Music Center at Strathmore. Our guest artist is Julian Schwarz, Assistant Professor of Cello at Shenandoah Conservatory and on the artist faculty of New York University.
There will be an all-Cello Orchestra reading session for all ages and levels (from advanced beginner with note reading/ensemble experience – professional) welcome! Participants may choose to play as many or as few pieces as they are comfortable playing. Following the reading session, you are invited to observe a Masterclass given by Mr. Schwarz.

Julian Schwarz was born to a multigenerational musical family in 1991. Heralded from a young age as a cellist destined to rank among the greatest of the 21st century, Julian’s powerful tone, effortless virtuosity, and extraordinarily large color palette are hallmarks of his style.
After making his concerto debut at the age of 11 with the Seattle Symphony and his father Gerard Schwarz on the podium, he made his US touring debut with the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra in 2010. Since being awarded first prize at the inaugural Schoenfeld International String Competition in 2013, he has led an active career as soloist, performing with the symphony orchestras of Annapolis, Boise, Bozeman, Buffalo, Charlotte, Columbus, Des Moines, Hartford, Jacksonville, Louisville, Memphis, Modesto, Omaha, Puerto Rico, Richmond, Rochester, San Antonio, Sarasota, Seattle, Syracuse, Toledo, Tucson, Virginia, West Virginia, Wichita, and Winston-Salem, among others. Internationally, he made his Australian debut with the Queensland Symphony, his Mexican debuts with the Boca del Rio Philharmonic in Veracruz and the Mexico City Philharmonic with frequent collaborator Jorge Mester, and his Hong Kong debut at the Intimacy of Creativity Festival. He has also appeared at the Salzburg Mozarteum, and the Verbier festival in Switzerland.
As a chamber musician, Mr. Schwarz performs extensively in recital with pianist Marika Bournaki. In 2016 the Schwarz-Bournaki duo was awarded first prize at the inaugural Boulder International String Competition’s “The Art of Duo”, and subsequently embarked on an extensive 10-recital tour of China in March 2017. Mr. Schwarz is a founding member of the New York based Frisson Ensemble (a mixed nonet of winds and strings), and the Mile-End Trio with violinist Jeff Multer and Ms. Bournaki. He performs frequently at Bargemusic in Brooklyn with violinist Mark Peskanov, on the Frankly Music Series in Milwaukee with violinist Frank Almond, as a member of the Palladium Chamber Players in St Petersburg FL, and has appeared at the Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival, Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival, and the Seattle Chamber Music Festival. In addition, he is the co-coordinator of chamber music at Eastern Music Festival, running programming for the Tuesday evening chamber music series.
Julian Schwarz is an ardent supporter of new music, and has premiered concertos by Richard Danielpour and Samuel Jones (recorded with the All Star Orchestra for public television in 2012, subsequently released as a DVD on Naxos). In the 17-18 season, he gave the world premiere of Lowell Liebermann’s first Cello Concerto with a consortium of six orchestras. Other premieres include recital works by Paul Frucht, Scott Ordway, Jonathan Cziner, Gavin Fraser, Alex Weiser, Ofer Ben-Amots, and the US Premiere of Dobrinka Tabakova’s Cello Concerto. On record, he has recorded Bright Sheng’s “Northern Lights” for Naxos, the complete cello/piano works by Ernest Bloch for the Milken Archive of American Jewish Music, and an album of concertos with the Seattle Symphony.
A devoted teacher, Mr. Schwarz serves as Assistant Professor of Cello at Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University (Winchester, VA) and on the artist faculty of New York University (NYU Steinhardt). He spends his summers teaching and performing at the Eastern Music Festival (Greensboro, NC). Past faculty appointments include artist-in-residence at the Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance (Nova Scotia, Canada), faculty teaching assistant to Joel Krosnick at The Juilliard School, and artist-In-residence at the pianoSonoma Festival.
Born in Seattle, WA, Mr. Schwarz studied at the Academy of Music Northwest and the Lakeside School. He continued to the Colburn School in Los Angeles under Ronald Leonard, and then moved to New York City to study with mentor Joel Krosnick at The Juilliard School (BM 14, MM 16). Other influential teachers include the late David Tonkonogui, the late Toby Saks, Lynn Harrell, Neal Cary, and chamber music mentors Andre Roy, Arnold Steinhardt, Jonathan Feldman, Toby Appel and Paul Coletti. Julian plays a Neapolitan cello made by Gennaro Gagliano in 1743 and multiple American bows made by the late Paul Martin Siefried. He is an active contributor to Strings Magazine’s Artist Blog, edits cello editions for Carl Fischer Publishing, and sits on the music committee of the National Arts Club. A Pirastro artist, he endorses and plays the “Perpetual” medium and edition sets of cello strings. Julian also proudly endorses Melos Rosin.
Brought to you by Gailes Violin Shop

Jack Weaver Memorial Competition
2023-06-03
Jack Weaver Memorial Competition
For Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass
The 2023 Competition was held on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Silver Spring. Mark Pfannschmidt chaired the competition assisted by Carol Havelka.
2023 Competition Results
Violin
1st Prize – $500 – Jing Fan, violin – Student of Rebecca Henry
2nd Prize – $400 – Jacqi Fan, violin – Student of Rebecca Henry
3rd Prize – $300 – David Wang, violin – Student of Christian Tremblay
4th Prize – $200 – Elizabeth Wnek, violin – Student of Rebecca Henry
5th Prize – $100 – Mehr Kaur, cello – Student of Tanya Anisimova
ASTA MD/DC wishes to thank Mr. Jody Gatwood, violinist, and Ms. Lori Barnet, cellist, for judging this year’s competition.
The Weaver Competition is a competition for violin, viola, and cello students throughout the DC Metro Region in memory of Jack Weaver. String students in grades 9-12 participate by performing two compositions of contrasting style representing at least two different periods of literature. One piece must be composed by a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color) OR woman composer. Students must provide their own pianist.
Resources for Repertoire:
BIPOC-Woman-composer-links.xlsx
This competition is funded by The Violin House of Weaver in Bethesda, Maryland.
Register Here!
Competition Rules and guidelines

Virtual Mini Conference featuring Katie Glassman, Frank Diaz, Joyu Lee, Ron Mutchnik, Debbie Lyle and Frances and Gloria Makino
2023-06-04
See schedule with descriptions here: Schedule with more info
12-8pm EST June 4
Virtual Mini conference featuring Frank Diaz, Mindfulness Through Music Therapy, Finance for Musicians, and others. Zoom links will be emailed the morning of the conference
Register now for the Mini Con!
Schedule:
12:00-1:00
Katie Glassman

1:00-2:30
France Makino and Gloria Makino
Financial Health for Musicians and Teachers

2:30-4:00
Debbie Lyle: Beginners Can Do More! – An Introduction to the Bornoff Approach

4:00-5:30
Frank Diaz: Practicing and Performance Anxiety

5:30-6:30
Ron Mutchnik: Body Mapping

6:30-8:00
Joyu Lee: Mindfulness Through Music Therapy

Winter 2024 ASTA Certificate Advancement Program (ASTACAP)
2024-02-25
Winter 2024 ASTACAP Exams
Click here to register.

The Winter ASTACAP Exams will be held in person on Sunday, February 25th at Temple Beth Ami in Rockville, MD.
Registration Deadline: Feb. 4, 2024
ASTA Certificate Advancement Program
The ASTA Certificate Advancement Program (ASTACAP) seeks to establish definite goals and awards for students of all levels through non-competitive examinations. Students are judged on technical and musical preparedness at specific levels (foundation – level 10) by an ASTA examiner of musical and pedagogical stature. A certificate of achievement is awarded for each level successfully completed. For more information and to download the ASTACAP Handbook from the National Office click HERE

Alexander Technique with Cynthia Mauney
2024-03-10 14:30 - 16:00
Sunday, March 10, 2:30-4:00 at Potter’s Recital Hall
7711 Eastern Ave,
Takoma Park, MD 20912
Free for ASTA members! Register Here: AT Technique Workshop

We thank Potter’s Fine Violins for sponsoring this event!

2024 Jack Weaver Memorial Competition
2024-04-13 00:00
2024 Jack Weaver Memorial Competition
For Violin, Viola and Cello
2024 Winners
Registration Deadline: Sunday, March 3, 2024
Date: Saturday, April 13, 2024
Location: Calvary Lutheran Church, 9545 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
NOTE: Parking on the grass next to the exit driveway is permitted, if needed.
Registration Fees: $50 for ASTA members, $75 for non-ASTA members
To register:

Make one online payment for all of your students. Click here to use Paypal. Note the confirmation number.
Register each student here. You will need your confirmation number as proof of payment.

Prizes: Each instrument category (violin, viola, and cello) has the following prizes available:
First prize: $500
Second prize: $400
Third prize: $300
New Special Prize for 2024: $300 for the best performance of a work by a woman or BIPOC composer. This prize may be awarded in addition to, or separately from, one of the prizes above. NOTE: Playing a work by a woman or BIPOC composer is optional in this year’s competition; it is NOT required.
Competition Rules and Guidelines
Lists of Works by Women and BIPOC Composers
This competition is underwritten with a generous grant from The Violin House of Weaver in Bethesda, Maryland.

ASTA MD/DC and Young Artists of America Orchestra! Elevate Students' Musical Journey!
2024-04-14 13:00 - 14:00
ASTA MD/DC
Young Artists of America Orchestra
Q & A Virtual Session Sunday April 14th 1:00-2:00 pm
Register Here: Virtual Session
Music Director Kristofer Sanz
Young Artists of America Orchestra! Elevate Students’ Musical Journey!
Performance & Q&A Session with Maestro Kris Sanz
YAAOrchestra, led by conductor Kristofer Sanz is an award-winning program that immerses grades 9-12 musicians in complex musical theater scores, fostering stage presence and collaboration within a supportive community.
JOIN US for a VIRTUAL Big Fish follow-up Q&A session with conductor Kristofer Sanz. Attendance to Big Fish performance not required.
Why YAA Orchestra?

Unique repertoire: Expand your students’ musical knowledge with exciting and challenging arrangements.
Supportive learning environment: Develop their skills with a conductor who sets high expectations and offers guidance.
Fast-paced & rigorous: Provide intense rehearsals that push your students to their full potential.
Community & collaboration: Foster their social bonds and teamwork through interaction with peers and performers.
Professional performance opportunities: Showcase their talent on renowned stages, gaining valuable experience.

What students say about YAAOrchestra:
“YAAOrchestra is a place where you can grow and challenge yourself.”
“It gives you a completely different symphonic experience”
“The repertoire is modern and fast-paced.”

Partner with YAAOrchestra: Visit YAA.org/yaaorchestra or contact us at info@yaa.org to discuss how your students can participate. [link to https://www.youngartistsamerica.org/yaaorchestra in online version]

Choppin' Cellos
2024-05-05 14:00 - 17:30
Washington Adventist University and the ASTA MD/DC chapter co-host “Choppin’ Cellos” May 5th from 2:00 to 5:30 PM at the Peter’s Music Center on WAU’s campus in Takoma Park. This workshop is for intermediate to advanced players who want an introduction to the specialized techniques of Folk and Tango and the fundamentals of chart interpretation. Our presenters are Carol Anne Bosco, Devree Lewis, and Susanna Mendlow. Admission is $10 for ASTA members, students, and WAU affiliates. General admission is $15. Bring your cello and join in the fun!

Form/Ticket to Register Here: Choppin’ Cellos

Devree Lewis is a cellist based in the D.C. Metro Area. Her recent appearances include: a concert weekend with Choral Arts Society of Washington, performing Eric Whitacre’s A Sacred Veil for chorus and solo cello; Navy Band International Sax Symposium performing new chamber music by Jerod Tate; and studio recording with alt electronic band April+VISTA.

Devree regularly performs with Cello, World duo and Philadelphia-based Mill Race Collective as well as several regional orchestras. Principal cellist of Pan American Symphony Orchestra from 2009 – 2017, Devree continues to specialize in tango music through education, performance, and arranging. The National Symphony of Cuba premiered Devree’s orchestral arrangement of “Ni Pelota: Milonga” by E. Trifilio in 2017. Devree co-founded, performed with, and arranged music for Trifilio Tango Trio full time from 2015-2018. During her years with TTT, the trio recorded and produced three albums of original tango music. “Milonga de la Ausencia,” featuring Devree on cello, is the soundtrack for the short film “Vuelve con nosotros” and was nominated for best original score at Milan’s 2016 MOFF Film Festival. Devree has written tango curriculum and arrangements for Manhattan Chamber Music, where she has also taught since 2017, and directed her tango arrangements performed by DCYOP.

Drawing influence from all kinds of music, Austin-based cellist Carol Anne Bosco plays with a style that is eclectic and diverse. Her musical training includes performance degrees from Florida State University and the University of Maryland. A detour to New Orleans in between provided a chance to explore other styles of music as well. She has performed with the Arlington Philharmonic, Tysons-McLean Orchestra, Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, and has taken part in the Fontainebleau, Wintergreen, and Duxbury chamber music festivals. Outside of classical music, the gigging scene grants much opportunity for collaboration and expanded techniques – both in playing and arranging. Through the Tiny Desk series on NPR,Carol Anne has performed with alt-J, Billy Corgan, and Meg Myers. For the latter concert, she arranged parts for string quartet. Other artists Carol Anne has appeared with include Jenny Lewis at the Anthem, and Jump Little Children on the Oblivion tour. She has arranged string parts for the session work she does in studios around Austin and DC, as well as for weddings and events. Carol Anne’s principal teachers have included Kenneth Slowik, Evelyn Elsing, Dennis Parker, Michael Kannen, Greg Sauer, and Diana Ligeti.

Susanna Mendlow, a versatile performer, arranger, and educator, enjoys playing a variety of musical styles. She captivates audiences with original two-cello arrangements of classical, popular, and world music as one half of the semi-improvisational duo Cello, World. She also regularly premieres works in the classical sextet Kassia Music and served as the cellist for QuinTango for several years. As both a soloist and chamber musician, Susanna has performed extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Central and South America, and Central Asia. Recently, she earned performance grants from the District of Columbia Commission for the Arts as well as an Emergent Seed award for her composition “Variations on Avre Este Abajour,” written for Cello, World. Her solo album, which features her arrangement of Mendelssohn’s third violin sonata and works for solo cello by Julia Adolphe and Noam Faingold, has an anticipated release of later this year. Susanna holds degrees from Columbia University, Michigan State University, and SUNY Stony Brook. She currently teaches cello in her private studio and serves on faculty at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, MD.

Winter 2025 ASTA Certificate Advancement Program (ASTACAP)
2025-02-16
Winter 2025 ASTACAP Exams
Click here to register.

The Winter ASTACAP Exams will be held in person on Sunday, February 16th at Temple Beth Ami in Rockville, MD.
Registration Deadline: February 2, 2025
ASTA Certificate Advancement Program
The ASTA Certificate Advancement Program (ASTACAP) seeks to establish definite goals and awards for students of all levels through non-competitive examinations. Students are judged on technical and musical preparedness at specific levels (foundation – level 10) by an ASTA examiner of musical and pedagogical stature. A certificate of achievement is awarded for each level successfully completed. For more information and to download the ASTACAP Handbook from the National Office click HERE

2026 Jack Weaver Memorial Competition
2025-05-03
2026 Jack Weaver Memorial Competition
Violin, Viola and Cello
For students in grades 9-12, ages 14-19
Registration Deadline: Saturday, April 4, 2026
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Location: Calvary Lutheran Church, 9545 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
NOTE: Parking on the grass next to the exit driveway is permitted, if needed.
Registration Fees: $75 for ASTA members, $100 for non-ASTA members
Competition Rules and Guidelines
Lists of Works by Women and BIPOC Composers
To register:

Make one online payment for all of your students. Click here to use Paypal. Note the confirmation number.
Register each student here. You will need your confirmation number as proof of payment.

Prizes: Each instrument category (violin, viola, and cello) has the following prizes available:
First prize: $500
Second prize: $400
Third prize: $300
Woman/BIPOC Composer Prize: $300 for the best performance of a work by a woman or BIPOC composer. This prize may be awarded in addition to, or separately from, one of the prizes above. NOTE: Playing a work by a woman or BIPOC composer is optional in this year’s competition; it is NOT required.
This competition is underwritten with a generous grant from The Violin House of Weaver in Bethesda, Maryland.

Spring 2026 ASTA Certificate Advancement Program (ASTACAP)
2026-04-26
Spring 2026 ASTACAP Exams
Register Here

The Winter ASTACAP Exams will be held in person on Sunday, April 26th at Temple Beth Ami in Rockville, MD.
Registration Deadline: April 5, 2026
ASTA Certificate Advancement Program
The ASTA Certificate Advancement Program (ASTACAP) seeks to establish definite goals and awards for students of all levels through non-competitive examinations. Students are judged on technical and musical preparedness at specific levels (foundation – level 10) by an ASTA examiner of musical and pedagogical stature. A certificate of achievement is awarded for each level successfully completed. For more information and to download the ASTACAP Handbook from the National Office click HERE

Winter 2026 ASTA Certificate Advancement Program (ASTACAP)
2026-03-08
Winter 2026 ASTACAP Exams
Register HERE

The Winter ASTACAP Exams will be held in person on Sunday, March 8th at Temple Beth Ami in Rockville, MD.
Registration Deadline: February 22, 2026
ASTA Certificate Advancement Program
The ASTA Certificate Advancement Program (ASTACAP) seeks to establish definite goals and awards for students of all levels through non-competitive examinations. Students are judged on technical and musical preparedness at specific levels (foundation – level 10) by an ASTA examiner of musical and pedagogical stature. A certificate of achievement is awarded for each level successfully completed. For more information and to download the ASTACAP Handbook from the National Office click HERE
