I am very happy that you have decided to participate or are considering participating in NYSSMA.

If you are playing an unaccompanied solo you do not have to have an accompanist.

It is recommended to have at least 2 (or more) rehearsals with the accompanist before the festival.

You should be prepared to pay for at least 1 rehearsal with the accompanist and for the NYSSMA festival.

It is recommended to look for an accompanist at least 2-3 months in advance of the festival.

It is the responsibility of the student to find an accompanist, one will not be provided for you.

All students preparing a level 6 All-State solo (grade 10 and 11 only) must perform with an accompanist at NYSSMA.

Suzuki books have correlating CD’s for each book and the internet is a great resource in finding many recordings of your solo.

It is helpful to listen to recordings of your solo while learning it.

Please see me if you need information on what or where to purchase the music. It is the student’s responsibility to have the necessary music at least two weeks prior to the NYSSMA date.

The teacher will not distribute original copies for festival use. The student must purchase two original copies of their solo for the festival.

NYSSMA preparation should begin as soon as possible (but at least by February). Please do not expect to learn the solo only a few weeks before the festival.Please do not expect to learn the entire solo in school. The teacher will be available to work with you on the solo, scales and sight-reading however the student will do a good portion of the work at home.You should also continue to work on your sight-reading skills. You must plan on practicing the solo and scales each week leading up to the festival date. It is wonderful you wish to participate in NYSSMA this year! Before you decide to do this you must be aware that it takes a lot of individual practice time as well as working with your school teacher.You will get your score in class a few days/ weeks after the festival. The judge will evaluate your performance in each of these categories and determine the numerical total this is your NYSSMA score. You will be given a short piece of music to sight-read.You will perform your NYSSMA solo for the judge.( level 4: 7 scales, 2 of them in 2 octaves level 5/6: all 15 scales in 2 octaves (bass only E, F, F#/Gb, G in 2 octaves) NYSSMA scores are used when recommending and choosing students to participate in the Long Island Strong Festival (LISFA) and the All-County festivals (SCMEA and NYSCAME).The judge will let you know what your musical strengths and weaknesses are so you can become a better musician. It is a great opportunity to work on a musical solo and to receive feedback on your performance and skills.Forms will be available in the orchestra room.

Nyssma level 6 sight reading practice