The North Florida Strings Festival is sponsored by the FSU String Education Program in partnership with the student chapter of ASTA (the American String Teachers Association) at Florida State University. Held annually at the FSU College of Music, the festival provides string students of all ages and ability levels an opportunity to perform for a panel of judges, receive feedback, and earn a performance rating.
As a precursor to the statewide Florida Orchestra Association (FOA) Solo and Ensemble Festival in the North Florida region, the NFSF offers a supportive, low-stakes environment for students to gain experience performing in an audition-style setting using a standardized rubric. It is a valued tradition within the region’s musical community and serves as a capstone training experience for pre-service music education students at Florida State University.
This opportunity is open to any public school or private lesson bowed string player or guitarist, at any level. The repertoire is up to the student and their teacher. Works with accompaniment may be played with accompaniment but it is not required. Students can enter a solo, an ensemble, or both.
- Solo: $12
- Ensemble: $9 per person
- Students must have an original copy of the music to present to the adjudicator. Students may use their own for the audition.
- Students must arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled performance slot
- Students who opt to perform in a solo and an ensemble must provide two applications, one for the solo and one for the ensemble.
- An ensemble is defined as two or more performers in a group.
- Registration: January 17, 2026
- Festival: January 31, 2026
You will be allowed to park in any of the FSU parking garages/lots or any of the metered spaces along W Park Ave., as all are open and free on Saturdays.
Avoid parking in the Presbyterian Church lot across the street from the College of Music, as this is privately owned and vehicles without correct identification will be towed.