The ASTA Certificate Advancement Program (ASTACAP)

This program provides students with an incremental means of achieving playing goals, motivating them to persevere and excel in their instrument studies.

• There are eleven levels of graded curricula for violin, viola, cello, and bass. (Harp and Guitar to be offered at a future date.)
• ASTACAP provides definite goals and awards for all students, from beginner to advanced levels, through non-competitive examinations.
• Students are judged on technical and musical preparedness at specific levels—Foundation Level through Level 10—by an examiner of musical and pedagogical stature.
• Each level is defined by a set of technical and musical goals (for instance: starting vibrato, third position, sense of style), along with corresponding study material.
• Completion of each level is demonstrated at a performance exam. The student plays one or more pieces, an etude, scales, and arpeggios. The student is also asked to sight read.
• The student’s success is recognized by ASTA with the awarding of a Certificate of Achievement for each level successfully completed.

ASTA Certificate Advancement Program

Massachusetts ASTA-CAP 2012

Dear Colleagues,
I am excited to announce that due to popular demand, Massachusetts will be holding its 2nd annual ASTA CAP evaluations in 2012 in a variety of locations:

March 25 Indian Hill Music School (in Littleton)
March 31 Gordon College (in Wenham)
April 1 Dana Hall School of Music (in Wellesley)
April 7 Dana Hall School of Music (in Wellesley)

Students may choose the date and location which best suits them.

ASTA CAP (the Certificate Advancement Program) establishes goals and awards for students of all levels through non-competitive evaluations.  Students are judged on technical and musical preparedness at specific levels (Foundation Level to Level 10) by an examiner of musical and pedagogical stature.

Each level is defined by a set of technical and musical goals (for instance, starting vibrato, playing in third position).  To complete each level the student plays scales, an etude, piece(s), and sight-reading.  Each student will receive a Certificate of Achievement from ASTA upon successfully completing a level.

For more information about the ASTA CAP program please visit the national ASTA website: http://www.astaweb.com.  There you will find examination guidelines, and repertoire suggestions.  Application forms will be available soon from the Massachusetts ASTA website: http://www.maasta.org/.  Please make sure the forms are labeled "Massachusetts 2012".  Forms must be postmarked by February 17, 2012.

Fees to participate in ASTA CAP are listed on the application and depend on the student’s level.  In order for your students to participate you must be a member of ASTA.  Teachers who enroll students are required to assist or to send a parent assistant for 1-2 hours on one of the exam days to ensure that the exams run smoothly and efficiently.

I am very pleased to offer this opportunity to our students, and I hope you will encourage them to participate.  I know that there will be lots of questions, and I will do my best to answer them.  Please feel free to contact me.  I look forward to hearing from you!   

Sincerely,


Emily Dahl
MA ASTA CAP coordinator
ma.asta.cap@gmail.com


P.S. I have attached a letter which can be sent to parents that explains the program.  Feel free to distribute and sign with your name.