Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. What happens if I miss my lesson?
2. What happens if I miss band rehearsal?
3. What is NYSSMA?
4. What about private instruction?
5. What are the pros and cons of renting vs. buying your own instrument?

What happens if I miss my lesson?

If you miss a lesson because you are absent from school, you are excused 
from lessons that day.  If you miss a lesson for any other reason, you can 
make it up another day.  Come see me and we will schedule a time for you to 
make up your lesson.

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What happens if I miss band rehearsal?

If you miss a band rehearsal a note will be sent home.  After three 
unexcused absences, students are automatically removed from the band program.

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What is NYSSMA?

NYSSMA stands for New York State School Music Association and is most well 
known for its annual solo festival where students from all over the state 
are invited to perform a piece of music in front of a judge.  This 
experience is a great opportunity for individual excellence in musical 
performance.  There are six levels of difficulty that students can perform 
at. Each student receives a rating based on the quality of their performance 
at their level.  Pieces to be performed must be selected from the NYSSMA 
manual. One is the lowest level and Six is the highest.  Students must 
perform from an original copy (photocopies are not acceptable) that they 
have purchased. Most solos come with a piano part that 
the judge can read from.
I feel it is a very valuable life experience, and encourage all of my 
students to participate.  In addition to making great progress on their 
instruments, students acquire other valuable life skills, such as:
Goal setting.  By preparing a solo over a period of about three 
months, 
students learn to set a long term goal and to reach that goal through 
setting and meeting a series of short-term goals. 
Independent learning.  Students do a lot of the work and learning 
independently, with help from myself and/or a private music teacher.  
Self evaluation.  Students must learn to judge themselves critically 
and 
make corrections on there own.  They develop their own standards and 
expectations for themselves. 
Dealing with nerves.  Performing alone for a judge can be nerve-
racking and  
the experience builds character. Difficult challenges later in life can be a 
little easier having had yearly experiences at NYSSMA.

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What about private instruction?

I highly recommend private instruction with a qualified teacher.  One-on-one 
instruction is a really great way to grow and develop as a musician.  Please 
call the music office for recommendations of private teachers who teach your 
instrument.

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What are the pros and cons of renting vs. buying your own instrument?

Renting and instrument is great, but you rarely have a choice in what you 
are getting.  A few years of renting could equal the cost of a very nice 
instrument.  Most students have more success and enjoy playing music on a 
new instrument that is their own.  Quality instruments maintain their 
value! If you decide to buy an instrument, please let me know.  There 
are many things to consider.

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