latest news

Vetting & Barring Scheme and Criminal Records Regime Review recommendations - Latest Update
Keep informed on the progress of the Protection of Freedoms Bill, and in particular news on how the recommendations from the Vetting & Barring Scheme Review and Criminal Records Regime Review are to be implemented.

Playing By Ear!
Last few days for teachers to sign up to be part of the Institute of Education Research Project.

VIBRATO and SAUTILLE
12th February 2012 Stringwise tutors Sheila Nelson and Deborah Young will lead a workshop for teachers and students.

Pedro de Alcantara
Renowned Alexander teacher and cellist will give a masterclass on Friday 17th February 2012

Da Capo Open Days 8th and 25th February
Hear more about the work of Da Capo and how it might influence your teaching.

Intro

ESTA is a European Association for violin, viola, cello and double-bass players and teachers who are concerned with improving the quality of music education. There are flourishing branches in most European countries, of which ESTA British Branch is the largest. ESTA enjoys links with a growing number of string teaching associations in other parts of the world, such as ASTA (USA), AUSTA (Australia), STANZA (New Zealand) and STRINGNET (Southern Africa), as well as EPTA (piano). Links are also maintained with many other professional organisations such as the Incorporated Society of Musicians, the Music Education Council and the UK Graded Examination Boards.

ESTA's British Branch is ESTA String Teachers Association Ltd, a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity.

ESTA's Aims & Objectives

• To promote the highest artistic and pedagogic standards among string teachers and students
• To promote lifelong high quality learning of stringed instruments open to all
• To provide a professional association for string teachers and players
• To sponsor the study of all phases of string playing and teaching
• To provide local and national forums for the exchange of ideas
• To provide information, support and guidance for all string teachers, both experienced and less experienced
• To promote conferences, workshops, lectures, discussion and collaborations with other organisations
• To sponsor publications supporting ESTA's wider aims

Benefits of ESTA membership

How Does ESTA (British Branch) Function?

ESTA String Teachers Association is a UK registered company and charity with a Council of Trustees who oversee the policy and finances of the organisation. It has an Executive Committee made up of a smaller group of trustees and some officers of the association. The Officers are responsible for the day-to-day running of the association and answerable to the Council of Trustees.

There is a system of Local Contacts and Local Centres covering the regions of the member countries providing local support to string teachers and players.

ESTA's recent work has included

• Discussions with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and Trinity Guildhall examination boards
• Liaisons with Music Services, Specialist Music Schools and Conservatoires
• A biennial Summer School featuring an international faculty
• Fostering relations with other professional organisations such as the European Piano Teachers' Association, Music Education Council, Heads of Strings in the UK Conservatoires
• Regular reviews of music and other resources newly available to string teachers in the quarterly journal "news & views".