How to Select a School
There are many outstanding colleges and universities across the nation. Every family must consider personal issues, such as geographic location, public or private institutions, scholarships and loans available, and size of school desired. In addition, there are many other questions to ask each school you are considering.

1. Does the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) accredit your school?
   These organizations assure that this university meets certain standards in both their music and education training.
2. What degrees do you offer?
   A degree that specializes in Music Education is designed to prepare teachers for a career in teaching music.
3. Does your faculty include a string education or string pedagogy specialist?
   Having such a person on the faculty ensures that the school is dedicated to the training of string teachers.
4. Do you offer a course in string pedagogy?
   Such a course is designed to help students learn the skills that will help you understand how to teach string instruments to young students. If a school offers more than the minimum requirements for such a class, it is a good sign that they are very committed to preparing future string teachers.
5. Who would I be studying with on my applied instrument?
   It is good to arrange a sample lesson with this person. Since you will be spending an hour each week with this teacher, you want it to be someone with whom you can work well.
6. Do you have a strong orchestra?
   Check past programs, literature performed and frequency of concerts. If you are accustomed to being a part of a strong orchestra, you will be more motivated to build a strong program.
7. What kinds of chamber music opportunities are available?
   Learning to work in small groups can be a great help in learning to work with others.
8. Do you provide any type of teaching opportunities or field experiences prior to the student teaching semester?
   These can be in the form of teaching in a String Project, conducting student orchestras, or teaching younger students privately.
9. What types of string programs exist in the schools in the area for student teacher placement?
   Having a positive student teaching experience can help give you a smooth transition to the first year of teaching.
10. Where are some of your past graduates currently teaching?
    This gives you a good indication of the success of the program in placing their students in jobs.
11. Do you have an ASTA collegiate chapter?
    If so, this is a good sign that both students and faculty are already involved in projects that promote string teaching.