What is NYSSMA FESTIVAL?

Each spring, the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) sponsors festivals across the state in which the students have on opportunity to perform solos and small ensembles (duets, trios, etc.) for an impartial adjudicator – usually a music educator or a professional musician from other areas. They listen to each student’s performance with a graded selection from the NYSSMA manual, a short sight reading selection, and a prescribed scale for instrumentalists.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF NYSSMA?

The NYSSMA solo experience can be a wonderful motivation for the music students. It gives them the opportunity to strive for the excellence, requires a mature sense of responsibility, and encourages discipline/commitment. Moreover, the ability of performing in front of someone you don’t know will develop poise and confidence.

NYSSMA grade provides a standard objective that is used for acceptance of honors performance ensembles such as Nassau Music Educators Association (NMEA), All-County and Long Island String Festival Association (LISFA), Metropolitan Youth Orchestra and Gemini Youth Orchestra, and many other music camps. NYSSMA could be also included in college applications and it is a great recommendation for the college acceptance.

WHAT SHOULD STUDENTS BRING TO NYSSMA?

Students must bring two original copies of music – one for the performer and the other one for the adjudicator. Extra piano score is acceptable for use as a second copy. Photocopied music is not permitted and may result in disqualification.

For vocal students and for those who are auditioning for All-State ensembles must provide their own accompaniment. Since a live accompanist is always preferable, arrangements should be made ahead of time to secure pianists and guarantee ample time for preparation.