The Australian Strings Association (AUSTA) is a professional association of players and makers of bowed string instruments which promotes excellence in  all aspects of performance, teaching, conducting and string instrument making. AUSTA aims to inspire and support students, amateurs and professionals and also to facilitate communication at local, national and international levels.

AUSTA is a very active member of the CISTA partnership of string associations worldwide. With members throughout Australia and a small international data base we present conferences, workshops and promote goods and services for string players throughout the country. As an information service we work closely with other music associations, the schools and universities, chamber music promoters and symphony
orchestras.

What are the benefits of Membership?
Professional development*

•    National conferences offer performance and conducting skills, pedagogy and concerts from local and international artists together with information resources.
•    State and regional master classes or workshops in all areas of performance, repertoire, teaching pedagogy, conducting, music technology and the making of stringed musical instruments.
•    Student performance opportunities - solo and group
•    Scholarship opportunities.

Information services and networking

•    Subscription to AUSTA's national journal, Stringendo
•    Regular state newsletters
•    Access to specialist books and videos
•    Online information and membership forms through its website www.austa.asn.au
•    Networking through national and state events and music advocacy.

Financial benefits

•    Reduced rates of admission to all AUSTA functions
•    AUSTA Chapters regularly negotiate commercial discounts on concerts, events and materials.
•    Reduced advertising rates in Stringendo and other AUSTA publications.
•    Information and discounts for international events. Regular trade display opportunities for publishers, music houses and instrument makers at conferences and workshops.

Broader connections

•    Professional liaison with organisations such as ASME, ASTA, STANZA, ESTA, ABODA, Suzuki Talent Education, the Australian National Academy of Music, Australian Bass Workshops, Australian Youth Orchestra, The Orchestras of Australia (TOAN), ANZVS, IVS and the Music Council of Australia.
•    A unified approach for music advocacy in conjunction with the Music Council of Australia.
•    Support for the combined Youth Orchestra of Australia projects in 2005 the Year of the Viola.