NYSSMA solo festivals are adjudicated events that offer students opportunities to strive for their highest levels of music-making, increase their music literacy, interpret and evaluate music, and make connections between music and other disciplines. All of the Festivals are based on NYSSMA Standards, a kindergarten through twelfth grade curricular framework, which incorporates state and national music standards. The festivals provide learning opportunities and assessments that serve to extend and enrich music education offered in schools throughout the state of New York.
Participation in this festival offers many opportunities to challenge yourself and provide a framework in which to grow both technical proficiency on your instrument as well as personal musicality. All students are strongly encouraged to participate in the festival regardless of their current proficiency level as there are varying degrees of repository available for study.
Students participating are recommended, but not required, to study privately with a master teacher in preparation for the festival. In addition, I will personally make myself available after school to work with you on your solo leading up to the day.
Festival dates are typically in Late April for Jazz solos and May for classical. There is a Level 1-4 festival in March. Interested students should speak with me no later than January 15th to discuss their intentions or concerns.