What organization is the largest professional body for string teachers?

The American String Teachers Association (ASTA) is recognized as the largest professional organization dedicated specifically to the needs and interests of string teachers and string education. Founded in 1946, ASTA provides a wide array of resources, including training, workshops, and conferences, which focus on string pedagogy, performance, and scholarship.

This organization plays a crucial role in supporting string educators at all levels, from K-12 to higher education, by promoting best practices in teaching, fostering professional connections, and advocating for the importance of string music education. Membership offers string teachers access to a community of peers, as well as valuable professional development opportunities.

In contrast, the other organizations listed serve broader or different functions within music education. The Jazz Education Network focuses specifically on jazz education, the National Association for Music Education encompasses all aspects of music teaching and learning across various genres, and the Music Teachers National Association serves a wide array of music teachers from all disciplines without specialization in strings.