Welcome to the NYSSMA Information page at West Nyack Elementary! On this page you will find out all you need to know on how to enroll your child in NYSSMA this year.
This year’s NYSSMA Solo Assessment Festival will be held at the
Pearl River High School on May 30th and 31st, 2025.
All students in grades 1-12 are eligible to participate.
Registration is being handled at the individual schools so please see your music teacher for the Registration Form and for further information.
Registration ends on February 28, 2025. No late registrations will be accepted.
What is NYSSMA?
The New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) sponsors festivals each spring at which students have the opportunity to perform solos and small ensembles for an impartial adjudication. Judges hear each student perform a graded selection, sight-reading and scales/rudiments from the NYSSMA Manual. Students are given a written evaluation which includes comments and a grade. All students in grades 1-12 are eligible to participate.
Who Can Enroll in NYSSMA?
Anyone can enroll in NYSSMA in grades 1-12 on their instrument (including band instruments, orchestra instruments, piano or voice). Students in their first year on an instrument are not encouraged to enroll.
Which Level Should I Choose?
The music in the NYSSMA Manual is graded as follows:
Level I – very easy, elementary
Level II – easy, elementary, and middle school
Level III – moderately easy, middle school
Level IV – moderately difficult, advanced middle school, high school
Level V – difficult, advanced high school
Level VI – very difficult, only for advanced soloists
*Please consult with your music teacher or private teacher on the appropriate level. If it is your child's first time doing NYSSMA, most likely they should pick Level 1. The solos must be currently listed in the revised NYSSMA Manual Volume 32. Please check with your school music teacher to confirm that your solo is listed. All teachers have the current NYSSMA Manuals and will confirm your solo.