NYSSMA Piano 2021

Students who study piano have the opportunity to participate in the 2021 New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Piano Solo Festival. Students perform a prepared piece of music (chosen from the NYSSMA Manual), scales and will be given an example of music to sight read. Your child’s performance will be evaluated by a qualified NYSSMA Adjudicator who will provide students with constructive comments and a rating.

This festival is usually held at The College of St. Rose but for 2021, all NYSSMA solo festivals will be held virtually. There will be NO IN-PERSON festivals this year. Students will have a one week window (February 5 – February 12, 2021) to record their piano  performance and upload to the “MusicFirst” web based program for music evaluations.

Here is the process for interested students:

  1. Students must register through Niskayuna CSD. Private teachers cannot register their students.
  2. Complete the information on the next page and return (with the fee) to the district music office by Jan. 8, 2021.
  3. After registration is complete (in late January) students will receive a URL to upload their work.
  4. Students record and upload their performance from February 5 – February 12. Recordings can be done on a smartphone or tablet. You may upload your best “take”. Students will also have the option to record directly into the “MusicFirst” program.
  5. Receive the written adjudicator feedback/evaluation approximately 1-2 weeks after the performance.

Solo info:

  1. Students must perform a solo that is listed in the NYSSMA Manual (Edition 32 – 2018)
  2. If a student performs a solo that is not in the NYSSMA Manual, they receive “Comments Only” – no score.
  3. Scale info: Level 1-2: any 3 scales. Level 3-4: A, Eb, B. Level 5-6: E, Ab, F#

Sight Reading will be done using SightReadingFactory.com from within “MusicFirst” web-based program.

Fees: Cash or check payable to NISKAYUNA FRIENDS OF MUSIC (or FOM)
Level 1-4: $16 Level 5-6: $24

Please return the application form (and check made payable to FOM) to the District Music Office by January 8, 2021.