Come and meet Team Strad at the American String Teachers Association 2026 National Conference, taking place in San Francisco from 25 to 28 February
ASTA’s 2026 National Conference takes place 25 to 28 February at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, bringing together keynotes, concerts, the National Orchestra Festival (NOF), research presentations, and sessions designed for string educators and performers.
Come and meet Team Strad at Booth no. 510, where you’ll be able to pick up a FREE copy of The Strad’s February 2026 issue, as well as a tote bag. We’re offering a 10 per cent discount on both digital and print subscription packages to ASTA attendees, plus if you’re a string educator, speak to us to find out more about a 30-day free trial for The Strad School Subscription, or check out a demonstration.
Team Strad is looking forward to attending the plethora of events and performances held throughout the conference. Here are some highlights to look out for.
Pre‑conference (Wednesday 25 February):
Workshops include the ASTA National Teachers Orchestra, Feldenkrais-informed playing, inclusive pedagogy, and multi‑instrument teaching. Participants in the National Teachers Orchestra open the evening welcome event.
National Orchestra Festival:
NOF performances and clinics run continuously from Thursday to Saturday, showcasing middle and high‑school string orchestras throughout the venue.
Keynotes of interest to string educators:
- Thursday 26 February: Alex Laing discusses equity, orchestral culture, and community‑focused futures.
- Friday 27 February: Tina Tallon explores AI’s impact on composition, pedagogy, and music‑making, featuring music performances by the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) Early Music and Viola Ensembles
- Saturday 28 February: Alice Hammel focuses on disability‑inclusive practice in music education.
Concert programmes:
- Quartet San Francisco headlines Thursday evening with two concerts highlighting crossover string repertoire, preceded by SAA student ensembles.
- Gateways Chamber Players lead Friday’s concerts, opened by SAA violin and cello ensembles.
Research & idea-sharing:
String Research Poster Presentations on Friday and Idea Exchange Posters on Saturday offer practical insights for teachers, ensemble directors, and pedagogues.
Participatory playing sessions:
Eclectic Styles Mini‑Jams take place Thursday afternoon, while open jam sessions feature electric violist Martha Mooke on Thursday and jazz violinist Duane Padilla on Friday. Attendees are encouraged to bring their instruments.
Exhibits & community spaces:
The exhibit hall opens Thursday with a grand opening celebration and continues through Saturday. Intersectional Affinity gatherings offer community connection across multiple days.
Student Day (Saturday):
A combined SAA & ASTA Student Day features performances by the NOF Grand Champions and sessions with members of the Gateways Chamber Players.
Find out more here. See you in San Francisco!
Read: Thank you ASTA!: 2025 conference photos and round-up
Read: Cello contestants announced for 2026 Queen Elisabeth Competition
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