2025 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 33, dated July 1, 2022)
Registration Deadline:
Friday, January 24th
Piano Festival (except jazz piano):
Piano Levels 1-6 (non-jazz):
Adelphi University
Tuesday, March 18th, Wednesday, March 19th, and Thursday, March 20th
Solo/Ensemble Festivals (except classical piano):
Level 1-4 Solo/Ensemble (includes jazz piano, no vocal jazz):
Manhasset Secondary School
Tuesday, March 25th and Wednesday, March 26th
Level 5 & 6 Solo/Ensemble and All-State (includes non-all-state jazz piano, no vocal jazz):
Herricks High School
Friday, April 4th and Saturday, April 5th
All-State Instrumental Jazz and ALL Vocal Jazz:
Hicksville High School
Friday, April 25th and Saturday, April 26th
Levels 1-6 Harp:
Syosset High School
Friday, May 2nd and Saturday, May 3rd
Classical Guitar:
West Hempstead High School
Tuesday, April 29th and Wednesday, April 30th
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.