ESTA is a European Association for violin, viola, cello and double-bass players and teachers who are concerned with improving the quality of music education. There are flourishing branches in most European countries, of which ESTA British Branch is the largest. ESTA enjoys links with a growing number of string teaching associations in other parts of the world, such as ASTA (USA), AUSTA (Australia), STANZA (New Zealand) and STRINGNET (Southern Africa), as well as EPTA (piano). Links are also maintained with many other professional organisations such as the Incorporated Society of Musicians, the Music Education Council and the UK Graded Examination Boards.

ESTA's British Branch is ESTA String Teachers Association Ltd, a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity.

ESTA's aims:

• To promote the highest artistic and pedagogic standards among string teachers and students
• To promote lifelong high quality learning of stringed instruments open to all

ESTA's objectives:

• To sponsor the study of all phases of string playing and teaching
• To provide local and national forums for the exchange of ideas
• To provide information, support and guidance for all string teachers, both experienced and less experienced
• To promote conferences, workshops, lectures, discussion and collaborations with other organisations
• To sponsor publications supporting ESTA's wider aims

How does ESTA's British branch operate?

ESTA has a series of Local Centres throughout the country, which provide a focus for local activities to serve the needs of the local teaching community.

A Management Committee organizes annual events and the biennial Summer School whilst also maintaining close contacts with ESTA Europe and other organisations involved with music and music education.

Representatives from each of the Local Centres make up the National Forum, which meets annually with the Management Committee.

The Council, whose members are distinguished musicians from all parts of the profession, oversees the management of the Association.

ESTA (British Branch) has a highly regarded quarterly journal "news & views".

ESTA's recent work has included:

• Discussions with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and Trinity Guildhall examination boards
• Liaisons with Music Services, Specialist Music Schools and Conservatoires
• A biennial Summer School featuring an international faculty
• Fostering relations with other professional organisations such as the European Piano Teachers' Association, Music Education Council, Heads of Strings in the UK Conservatoires
• Regular reviews of music and other resources newly available to string teachers in the quarterly journal "news & views".