Colleen Tan Receives National ASTA Presidential Award for Outstanding Service

Canterbury School proudly celebrates faculty member Colleen Tan, who was recently honored with the prestigious Presidential Award for Outstanding Service from the American String Teachers Association (ASTA).

Tan received the award at ASTA’s annual meeting, where she was recognized for her exceptional leadership and longstanding dedication to the advancement of string education. The award was presented by Karin Hendricks, Professor of String Education at Boston University.

This national recognition highlights Tan’s impactful work with ASTA’s Certificate Advancement Program (ASTACAP), where she has played a key leadership role at both the national and state levels. She served on the ASTACAP National Committee, contributing to a multi-year effort to revise the program’s repertoire and structure, including a comprehensive overhaul of its handbook.

In Indiana, Tan co-founded the ASTACAP exam program and currently serves as the state chair. Her service to ASTA also includes roles as Chair of the Council of State Presidents, West Virginia Chapter President, and participation on several national committees.

Through her dedication, leadership, and passion for music education, Tan continues to make a meaningful impact on students, educators, and the broader string teaching community.