2026 NYSSMA Solo/Ensemble Festivals
NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Festivals are now open for registration and payment.
REMINDER: Students MUST have two original copies of their NYSSMA solo. One for themselves and one for the adjudicator. With accompanied solos, adjudicators can look at an original piano accompaniment part if there is not a live accompanist. Please ask your music teacher if you have any questions.
Registration and payment will be electronic. (Please contact your school music teacher if you would like to pay with cash or check.)
**IMPORTANT: You must register AND pay. These are separate forms (links below.)**
(Please note that all solos/ensembles MUST be selected from the CURRENT NYSSMA Manual Edition 34, dated July 1, 2025)
Registration Deadline:
Extended to Wednesday, January 28th
Piano Festival (except jazz piano):
Piano Levels 1-6 (no jazz):
Adelphi University
Tuesday, March 17th, Wednesday, March 18th, and Thursday, March 19th
Solo/Ensemble Festivals (except classical piano):
Level 1-4 Solo/Ensemble (no jazz):
Paul D. Schreiber High School
Wednesday, March 25th and Thursday, March 26th
Level 5 & 6 & All State Solo/Ensemble and ALL Level 1-6 Instrumental Jazz (Including All-State and Jazz Piano):
Herricks High School
Friday, April 17th and Saturday, April 18th
ALL Level 1-6 Vocal Jazz (including All-State) and Levels 1-6 Harp:
Syosset High School
Friday, May 1st and Saturday, May 2nd
Classical Guitar:
Wantagh Senior High School
Monday, May 18th and Tuesday, May 19th
The New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) annual Solo and Ensemble Festival is an opportunity for students to receive an objective evaluation of a musical performance. Participating in NYSSMA requires a student to perform a solo, scales, and sight-reading for an adjudicator. The student will receive a numerical and written evaluation.
While NYSSMA is open to all students, please discuss with the school music teacher or a private teacher regarding whether your child is ready to participate in this type of evaluation.
NYSSMA is an excellent chance for students to grow musically and rise to new challenges in their musical endeavors.
Please note that this year's NYSSMA scores are the main criteria for next year's NMEA All-County selection committee.