NYSSMA is an annual event that gives students the opportunity to perform a prepared piece of music before a judge and receive a written evaluation and grade. Each student will perform a solo, as well as scales and sight-reading.

Your child's music teacher will help your child prepare for NYSSMA. Lesson time will be spent on learning the solo, scales, and techniques for successful sight-reading.

The Solo - Your child will be playing the melody in the solo. The piece will highlight different techniques that your child has learned since he/she started playing the instrument. Notes, Rhythms, Articulation, Dynamics, and Expression are examples of these techniques.

Scales - Scale requirements vary slightly for each instrument, but for levels 1 and 2, Students are required to memorize 3 major scales. Percussionists must learn rudiments in place of scales. If you have any specific questions about the scale requirements for your child please contact his/her music teacher.

Sight-Reading - During the sight-reading portion of your child's NYSSMA performance, your child will be asked to play a short piece of music that he/she has never seen before. These selections are about 8 measures long (one to two lines of music) and much easier than your child's solo. To be successful at sight-reading, your child must take a minute to look at the piece, go over fingerings, rhythms, etc in their head (or play silently). When your child is ready to play, he/she will have one chance to play through the example. We will be practicing sight-reading in lessons.

How you can help!

You will be responsible for purchasing two copies of your child's NYSSMA solo. (One for your child to play and one for the judge)

Encourage your child to practice regularly, and be prepared for his/her lesson.