Advocacy Tools

ASTA is committed to providing resources to aid teachers, parents, and others in advocating for strings education in school districts everywhere. We encourage you to download the following documents and disseminate them to strings supporters in your community. The "Why Strings?" brochure is one of our most-used resources.

Even if you currently have strings programs in your schools, these resources can help you keep strings in your district. Voicing your support for strings programs to the school board and community can help prevent future cuts to your program. Don't wait until a crisis hits before taking action to keep strings in your district.

You can count on ASTA to share new information and resources as they become available.

This article gives facts to refute the myth that music education programs and jobs in the U.S. are disappearing. The real threat is there are not enough music educators. What is the way forward to solve the teacher shortage?
In this webinar recording, learn how to access federal funds available for music programs through Title IV, Part A, also known as the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) Program. These funds are available annually and are not part of COVID education relief. Length: 1 hour.

This video can help music educators navigate necessary advocacy for their program. It shares tried and true ideas on effectively speaking with stakeholders and decision-makers, and how to support the future of our field through a student-centered approach that shares the true value of music education. Length: 15 minutes.

Presenter Leyla Sanyer has more than 40 years of teaching experience in Wisconsin public schools. She is past president of the Wisconsin Music Educators Association, immediate past president of the NAfME North Central Division, and served as chair of the Wisconsin Advocates for Music Education.

Learn how educational stimulus funding, the largest investment in public education by Congress in our lifetime, can support your string program.

Did you miss the webinar? You can view the recording here.
We encourage you to share this statement with administrators and other decision-makers for your music program in your school district.

Includes talking points.
Quick Reference
(Adobe PDF File)
This step-by-step guide to creating string music programs is based on successful programs from around the country. It provides information that has been identified by researchers and teaching professionals as the most critical elements for long-term success.
Why Strings? Brochure
(Adobe PDF File)
Participation in a school and/or studio string instrument program enhances a child’s quality of life. It provides creative, emotional, and social opportunities and unifies communities. This brochure highlights how students, schools, and communities benefit from a string program.
We live in a time when school budgets often seem to be coming up short, leading to possible cuts to music programs. This article provides tips and strategies to help keep your strings programs funded.

NEW for 2022! 

Celebrating Strings
Concert Program Insert

DOWNLOAD the PDF