Registration for the 2026 NYSSMA Piano Solo festival is now open. The New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) sponsors a statewide music festival each year that gives students the opportunity to perform and be evaluated by professional adjudicators.

Solo evaluation will include the performance of three selected scales, one prepared solo, and a sight-reading example. Piano students must select a piece from the current online NYSSMA Manual, which teachers should verify prior to registration. Each participant receives a detailed critique and a grade, providing valuable feedback that helps students grow musically and gain performance experience.

The cost to participate is $26.00 for Solo Levels 1-4 and $36.00 for Solo Levels 5-6. 

Any South Colonie student who is currently taking piano lessons may register with permission from their piano teacher. Families are asked to complete this registration form and submit it with payment to their child’s music teacher or mail it directly to:

Peter Cannistraci 

Colonie Central High School

1 Raider Blvd.

Albany, NY 12205

Checks should be made payable to the South Colonie Central School District. Please note that registrations must be submitted by Friday, Janury 23.