Yesterday I enjoyed a wide range of music, from 1 octave A major scales to Bruch Violin Concertos, as 24 students of another studio presented their ASTA Certificate Advancement Program (ASTA CAP) exams. As the students played, as a sampling of their year's progress, their programs of scales, etudes and pieces, I dutifully filled out the score sheet and jotted a few words of encouragement and advice. I hope my own students, who present their ASTA CAP exams next weekend, are busy putting the finishing touches on their programs!

The ASTA CAP seeks to establish definite goals and awards for students of all levels through non-competitive examinations. Students are judged on technical and musical preparedness at specific levels (Foundation Level- Level 10) by an examiner of musical and pedagogical stature. A certificate of achievement is awarded for each level successfully completed. More info here.