The American String Teacher Association (ASTA) collegiate chapter at Ball State University has been recognized with the 2025 ASTA Outstanding Student Chapter Award. The organization will receive this honor during the ASTA National Conference in March 2025, held in Atlanta.

The American String Teachers Association (ASTA) is the only professional organization in the United States dedicated exclusively to string education. Ball State’s ASTA chapter earned this recognition by providing pre-service teachers with valuable professional development opportunities, mentorship, and hands-on teaching experience. Notable examples include the chapter’s collaboration with the Youth Symphony Orchestra of East Central Indiana (YSOECI) and its involvement with local after-school programs, such as those at the Ross Community Center in Muncie.

“This recognition highlights the strong community our ASTA chapter has built at Ball State—something we can all take pride in and be grateful for,” said Abigail Best, chapter president and a third-year music education major at Ball State. “Through ASTA, I have made many close friends and learned so much. This organization is special to me because I love getting to spend time with other young string teachers each week who want to learn and become the best teachers they can be.”

Dr. Matthew H. Spieker, associate professor of music education instrumental and strings in the School of Music within the College of Fine Arts, is the chapter’s faculty advisor and conductor of the YSOECI. He launched the Partnership Program in 2016 to give students real-world teaching experience. This initiative has had a lasting impact on the University and the community.

“Our students gain valuable experience teaching young musicians in our area while addressing a vital need in local music education,” said Dr. Spieker. “Most of our former students are orchestra teachers in the field throughout Indiana and Kentucky. We also have three former students who have won Indiana state awards for teaching. I am very proud of our current student chapter. They work hard, and the quality of their efforts is outstanding. It gives me immense joy and pride to have them recognized nationally by our organization.”

For members of the Ball State chapter of ASTA, these experiences go beyond professional development.

"Ball State's ASTA Chapter has been such a meaningful part of my first year here at Ball State,” said Jacob Conner, a first-year music education major. “It's given me a community of peers who all share a passion for music education and a place to grow as both a musician and educator. ASTA has helped inspire me to make a difference through music."