ASTACAP

To establish national goals and awards for students of all levels through non-competitive examinations.


​In-Person ASTACAP evaluation this spring!

Saturday, April 6

Sunday, April 7, 2024

9am-5pm at Dana Hall School in Wellesley

Registration Deadline: Sunday, February 18, 2024

 Spring 2024 Student Registration Form

Spring 2024 Teacher Registration Form

COVID-19 protocols will be set by Dana Hall School, you will receive more information upon registration.

Please feel free to contact the steering committee with questions in the meantime.

Joan Ellersick, Susanne Friedrich, Steve Laven, Colleen McGary-Smth, Yumi Okada, Dimitar Petkov, Leanne Rabesa



What is ASTACAP?

ASTACAP (American String Teachers Association  Certificate Advancement Program) is a graded non-competitive examination program in eleven levels for string students, which measures technical progress and musical development.  Students are judged on technical and musical preparedness at specific levels (Foundation Level to Level 10) by an adjudicator of musical and pedagogical stature. 

Massachusetts ASTACAP offers eleven levels of graded curricula for violin, viola, cello, and bass. Each level is defined by a set of technical and musical goals (for instance, starting vibrato, playing in third position). Completion of each level is demonstrated at a performance evaluation. Each student presents one or more memorized pieces, scales and an etude before an examiner from whom he/she will receive reinforcing and constructive comments; there is also a sight-reading component to the exam. The student’s success is recognized by ASTA with the awarding of a Certificate of Achievement for each level successfully completed. 

​Fees to participate in ASTACAP 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 2 hours on one of the exam days to ensure that the exams run smoothly and efficiently.

Benefits to students include:

  • A Certificate of Achievement for each year of successful participation 

  • Written documentation of one’s achievements that can be used when applying to youth orchestras, summer music camps, and for college admission 

  • Written standards that provide reasons to excel and persevere from year to year of study

  • Incentives to work on technical studies as well as solos 

  • The opportunity to play prepared materials in a private, non-competitive setting 

  • Greater success in recitals, festivals, competitions, and youth orchestra and college auditions 

  • Uniformity of expectations between states

Teachers of all traditions find that ASTACAP complements and strengthens their programs. Further benefits to ASTACAP teachers include:

  • A handbook of scales, etudes, solo repertoire, and playing goals in eleven graded levels

  • Yearly feedback through an examiner’s comments on each participating student’s progress

  • Flexibility in choice of technical material and solo repertoire

  • Greater respect from students and parents who value national standards

Click here and use your ASTA login to access information about levels and repertoire requirements as outlined in the ASTACAP Handbook.