


For students who progress beyond Grade 8, professional diplomas (ABRSM, LRSM and FRSM) are offered in three subject areas: performing, directing and teaching. Many students will start with the Prep Test, a simple and positive assessment at the pre-Grade 1 level, and then work through the 8 grades, but there is no set pattern. They offer a framework for life-long learning in music, without restrictions on age, length of study, or the requirement that candidates are taught in schools or other centers.

Graded exams are available for more than 35 instruments, singing, jazz, ensembles, practical musicianship and music theory. They provide the opportunity of performing high-quality music and developing all-round musicianship through a range of supporting activities. Since a live accompanist is always preferable, arrangements should be made ahead of time to secure pianists and guarantee ample time for preparation.ĪSSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSICĪBRSM exams give the developing musician a set of worthwhile and motivational goals to work for. Photocopied music is not permitted and may result in disqualification.įor vocal students and for those who are auditioning for All-State ensembles must provide their own accompaniment. Extra piano score is acceptable for use as a second copy. Students must bring two original copies of music – one for the performer and the other one for the adjudicator. NYSSMA could be also included in college applications and it is a great recommendation for the college acceptance. NYSSMA grade provides a standard objective that is used for acceptance of honors performance ensembles such as Nassau Music Educators Association (NMEA), All-County and Long Island String Festival Association (LISFA), Metropolitan Youth Orchestra and Gemini Youth Orchestra, and many other music camps. Moreover, the ability of performing in front of someone you don’t know will develop poise and confidence. It gives them the opportunity to strive for the excellence, requires a mature sense of responsibility, and encourages discipline/commitment. The NYSSMA solo experience can be a wonderful motivation for the music students. They listen to each student’s performance with a graded selection from the NYSSMA manual, a short sight reading selection, and a prescribed scale, for instrumentalists Each spring, the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) sponsors festivals across the state in which the students have on opportunity to perform solos and small ensembles (duets, trios, etc.) for an impartial adjudicator – usually a music educator or a professional musician from other areas.
