Requirements as published in the NYSSMA Manual are written in red, and my comments follow in italicized type. Older students who still might not feel ready to take on a solo festival experience can also test the waters with a duet or trio performance at the same festival.Īs for what level is appropriate and what solos are available to you, it is good to start with an understanding of the requirements of each level. Public school students start later than I did - in 3rd or 4th grade, rather than in Kindergarten - but this type of “pre-NYSSMA” experience is available to school students at any age. This early exposure to performance helped ease me into subsequent NYSSMA Solo Festival experiences. I first began attending the NYSSMA Solo Festival as an elementary school student, though the first time I walked into the adjudication room I was not yet ready to perform on NYSSMA Level 1! I had recently learned the final variation in the Twinkle Twinkle Variations in Suzuki Violin Volume 1, and my private teacher suggested to my parents that I give NYSSMA a “trial run.” My parents paid the small registration fee, and I performed the Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Theme and Variations and received a “festival grade” which consisted of just comments from the judge. Our lessons were not aimed at a Spring performance at the NYSSMA Solo Festival, but rather, they were intended to help me develop a multitude of aural and technical skills which happened to also correspond with approved Solo Festival pieces. My interpretation of the ideal progression through the NYSSMA Solo manual was heavily influenced by many years of positive Solo Festival experiences that my own private teacher enabled for me.
Solo selection is a very personal process, and students should remember that no two people are alike in their musical development and progress through the six NYSSMA levels. When it comes to selecting a solo to perform at the NYSSMA Solo Festival, every teacher has their own approach and interpretation of the approved list.
The intention of this post is to clarify my process of making these recommendations. I’ve received many questions already this year (and in years prior) regarding what solo a student should prepare for NYSSMA adjudication.
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