ASTA WITH NSOA releases string teacher research study. (Items of Interest).

The American String Teachers Association with National School Orchestra Association (ASTA WITH NSOA) released the results of a recent research study indicating there will be 5,000 openings for string teachers within the next two years, and not enough music education student graduates to fill these jobs.

This study revealed that in 2000-2001, 43 percent of available string positions were not filled because teachers could not be found to fill them; 47 percent of current string teachers reported string positions available in their schools in 2001-2002; and 57 percent of string teachers predicted there would be string teacher openings in their schools between 2002 and 2004.

"Our goal is to ensure that all children, no matter their economic status, geographical location, or skill levels, have the opportunity to learn to play an instrument," said ASTA WITH NSOA Board President Robert Jesselson. "To achieve this mission, we must encourage music students throughout the country to consider teaching as a rewarding and fulfilling career."