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NYSSMA
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is NYSSMA?
The Solo festival is a voluntary experience organized by the New York State School Music Association. Students select a piece of music from a list of approved pieces, and perform for an adjudicator who provides a score and feedback. NYSSMA has their own set of rules and guidelines, which are explained in the NYSSMA Manual. Our Music Teachers have copies of the manual, and private teachers often do, too.
Why should my child do NYSSMA?
Solo NYSSMA can serve different purposes for different children. It's a good opportunity to help give motivation and goal setting experience. For those students seeking to be more competitive in their musicianship, sometimes performing a NYSSMA solo at a certain level can be a requirement. For example, all-county and all-state have NYSSMA requirements. Picking a piece that is at an appropriate level helps students develop and maintain their love of music.
How should my child prepare for NYSSMA?
The nature of solo NYSSMA is that students should select a piece on a level that they can work on almost entirely independently. We believe that NYSSMA is a great experience for those who choose to participate, though it is an outside-of-school activity. With full teaching schedules, Manhasset music teachers have limited time for instruction on individual NYSSMA solos. Often times, students wishing to participate request the help of private instructors.
What if my solo isn’t in the Manual?
There are two choices. First- select a different solo that’s in the manual. Second- perform the solo for comments- the rating will be listed as “Comments Only,” which means that no grade is given.
What if I want to change my solo from the one written on the application?
That’s fine- with the following explanation-
- If you signed up for a Level 1-4 solo, you can move to any other Level 1-4 solo.
- If you signed up for a Level 5-6 solo, you can move to any other Level 5-6 solo. You can also move down to Level 1-4 if desired.
- If you signed up for a Level 1-4 solo, you may not move up to a Level 5-6 solo, as it comes with a higher fee and a longer time slot.
What do I wear to my audition?
There is no dress code for NYSSMA, but keep in mind that this is a performance, so dress appropriately.
What do I bring to the audition?
- Your Playing permit
- Your music. (ORIGINALS ONLY- ABSOLUTELY NO PHOTO-COPIES!!!) You will need music for yourself and for the judge. If your piece has a piano part and you won’t have an accompanist who’ll need it, you can give that to the judge- saving you from having to obtain a second music sheet. To avoid problems, purchase your sheet music from Catalano and not an online publisher.
Why are we not allowed to have photocopies?
Photocopies of copyrighted materials are illegal. Legally purchased printouts (from websites such as sheetmusic.com) are acceptable.
Can anyone come in the audition with me?
Yes! You can bring anyone you’d like into the audition. They can listen to your scales/rudiments and your solo/ensemble selection. However, they have to leave the room during the sight-reading portion of the audition.