What to Expect When You Audition for NYSSMA
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We’re approaching NYSSMA season! As you prepare to perform your piece, it’s important to know exactly what to expect when you audition for NYSSMA. In order to be fully prepared, here’s what you need to be aware of.
You need original copies of your music.
Photocopies are not allowed to be used during the festival, and you’ll need to provide a copy for the adjudicator, a copy for the piano accompanist if you’re using one, and a copy for yourself if you’re not performing the piece from memory.
You’ll need to sight read.
The adjudicator will have you sight read two lines of music during your audition, so make sure you’re ready.
You need to be available.
You’ll find out your audition day and time, as well as get your playing permit, a few days before the NYSSMA festival, so plan to be available on any day at any time. Since a lot of people audition for NYSSMA, you can’t always have a specifically-requested day be approved. If you want to try to get a specific day, you’ll need to submit an explanation as to why with your application.
You need to be on time.
For safe measure, arrive to your audition time 45 minutes early. If you miss your time, you are not allowed to re-schedule.
You can’t switch rooms.
Once you’ve been assigned to an audition room at a specific time, you are not allowed to switch rooms under any circumstance.
You need your own accompanist sometimes.
If you’re auditioning in the All-State festival, you’ll need to bring your own accompanist along. Also be in mind that only All-State and voice audition rooms are guaranteed to have a piano.
When it comes to preparing for your NYSSMA audition, it’s best to have a trained music teacher on your side. Grace Music School is a sponsoring member of NYSSMA and helps prepare students for their performance through private instruction and free Master Classes and NYSSMA recitals. To learn more or to schedule lessons in Old Bethpage or East Northport for your child, please call us at 631-239-6169 (Fort Salonga) or 631-470-9705 (Melville).
