NYSSMA

[kdell]

Hey everyone! Hope the new year is wonderful so far! Mine sure has been...one reason is because of my admission to try a NYSSMA solo. For those of you who aren't familiar with this, it is an instrument festival in which the participant plays a solo in front of a judge and is judged (no duh! ) on how they played, accuracy...etc. Well, I recieved my piece, and I don't know whether it is a level 4 or 5 or whatever...but it's pretty hard. I've been playing flute for a little over 3 years and am pretty good, but this is just a bit too advanced right now. I've been trying to practice, but I get discouraged and quit after 5-10 minutes. What should I do? The festival is coming up in April, and I need to practice! I don't really want to quit and just do vocal, but I don't want to ask for another piece because I am embarresed that the 2 other seventh graders in my lesson seem to be doing fine. I'm in eighth grade if that helps any...thank you to all who respond!

-A newcomer to instrumental NYSSMA solos

[flutepicc06]

Break the piece down into manageable chunks. Taking on a whole piece at once (epecially one that you consider too advanced) is not likely to yield good results. Start at one chunk, and when you have that down, add a second until you've learned the entire piece.

[Mark]

Exactly as 06 has said.. take it in small bites and then stitch them back
together later.

[atoriphile]

kdell -

What's the name and composer of the piece? And what parts in particular are you struggling with? Maybe we could give you some tips.