NYSSMA Solo Festival 2021

*Applications due by February 12, 2021*

Students who sing or play an instrument have the opportunity to participate in the 2021 New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) 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, as with all 2021 NYSSMA solo festivals will be held virtually. There will be NO IN-PERSON festivals this year. Students will have a one-week window (March 19 – March 26, 2021) to record their 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 form on the next page and return (with the fee) to the district music office by Feb. 12, 2021.
  3. After registration is complete students will receive a URL to upload their work.
  4. Students record and upload their performance from March 19 – March 26. Recordings can be done on a smartphone or tablet. 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

Uploaded student performance will include five tasks:

Task 1 – student will complete field prompts for general registration
Task 2 – student will upload a scanned copy of their solo or ensemble score
Task 3 – scales*
Task 4 – solo
Task 5 – sight reading

*Scales – (Instrumentalists only) The required three scales for each level will be available to teachers and students on the NYSSMA Website and School Music News. Students will pre-record their scales or rudiments and upload when completing Task 3.

Fees: Cash or check payable to NISKAYUNA FRIENDS OF MUSIC (or FOM)

Level 1-4: $16
Level 5-6: $24
All-State Level: $30

Please return the application form (and check made payable to FOM) to the District Music Office by February 12, 2021.

For more information click here. FAQs can be found here.

Downloadable PDFs