ASTA with NSOA Certificate Program for Strings
I would like to take this opportunity to acquaint you with the ASTA with NSOA Certificate Program for Strings. The program began with the Maryland/DC chapter under the direction of Lya Stern in 1997. New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, and Hawaii have in turn started the program. In order to take advantage of the benefits of the Certificate Program, NCASTA would like to offer this exemplary program to North Carolina's private studio teachers and their students. Please find below a description of the program as found in the Certificate Program for Strings Violin Levels syllabus. This violin syllabus, along with viola levels, cello levels, program description, and frequently asked questions, are available on the World Wide Web at www.asta.net/cps.
We are currently discussing where, when, and how the program will start in North Carolina. Our current target is to offer the program in the Spring of 2006 with planning sessions occurring during this summer's NCASTA Workshop.
I look forward to seeing you at the Summer Workshop so we can discuss this exciting program and get it up and running as soon as possible.
Michael Weaver
ASTA with NSOA
Certificate Program for Strings
The Certificate Program is a framework for the graded periodic assessment of the string instrument student’s technical progress and musical development. The program provides guidance to the teacher in setting goals and choosing appropriate material. At the same time it gives new incentives to students to persevere and excel in their instrumental studies. The program sets expectations and standards of performance on eleven progressive levels: elementary (e.g. Suzuki Book 1) to advanced (e.g. Mendelssohn violin
Concerto). Each level is defined by a set of goals (e.g. use of vibrato, playing in 3rd position) and a list of appropriate study materials: scales, technique, etudes and solo. The program is available for violin, viola, and cello levels Foundation (F) -10. Students earn a Certificate of Achievement as they complete each level. The program is designed to encourage and motivate students, and to recognize their progress. It is open to students, preschool through adult. Students take the exam appropriate to their level of development, regardless of age. Students may enter the program at any level, may repeat levels, and may skip levels.
Some of the benefits offered participants are:
• A graded program that assures a systematic, developmentally logical progression for improving technical and musical skills. By preparing for the examination corresponding to each level, the teacher can plot the student’s progress within a formal structure, creating the setting of a “music school without walls.”
• Periodic examinations —milestones on the path to better playing. Students need goals and enjoy challenges. The Certificate of Achievement bolsters a sense of accomplishment and serves as tangible evidence of progress.
• Comments of a highly qualified, impartial examiner. Students get an opportunity to learn from the constructive criticism and suggestions of a knowledgeable, highly experienced teacher/examiner.
• Flexibility in choice of repertoire. While using the syllabus as a guide, teachers may choose any comparable study material or repertoire.
• A boost to the prestige and professionalism of the private studio teacher. Parents see their child’s progress independently validated through the Certificate of Achievement issued by The American String Teachers Association with The National School Orchestra Association.
FAQ || Performance Exam Rules & Examiner's Fees || Performance Examinations Application
Evaluation System
The requirements for each level have been carefully and clearly defined. They are specific enough to set meaningful goals yet broad enough to accommodate any teaching style (traditional, Suzuki, etc.). The requirements are geared for the average student with built-in flexibility for the high achieving student. The requirements for assessment, along with recommended study material, are described in detail in the following pages. In order to ensure that the Certificate truly reflects progress from level to level, the student’s performance has to meet certain minimum standards. Each portion of the performance (scale, etude, first and second piece, and sight-reading) is evaluated separately based on the following criteria: tone, intonation, technique, rhythm, musicality, memorization and stage presence. A rating of V (very good), S (satisfactory), or N (needs improvement) is given. If there are five or more “Ns” in any category, that portion of the performance exam must be taken again at a future date, to be announced. No retakes are necessary in sight-reading regardless of rating. The examiner will make written comments on aspects of the student’s technique and musicianship. The examiner’s decision is final. The completed examiners’ forms will be sent directly to the teacher. Teachers are asked to distribute and discuss the comments with their students.
Teachers may choose the music for exams from any source as long as the material is comparable in level to that in the syllabus.
Each selection is evaluated based on tone, intonation, technique, rhythm, musicality, memorization, and stage presence. The evaluation forms are sent to the teacher to discuss with the students.
