The New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) is a not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to promoting the advancement of music education in New York State. NYSSMA’s mission is to provide opportunities for students to participate in music ensembles, festivals, and competitions, and to provide resources and support to music educators. For over 80 years, NYSSMA has worked to ensure that all students have the opportunity to experience the benefits of music education.
History of NYSSMA
NYSSMA was founded in 1937 by a group of music educators who recognized the need for a statewide organization to support music education. The organization’s first president was Dr. Joseph E. Maddy, the director of music education at the University of Michigan. Under Maddy’s leadership, NYSSMA quickly grew and became a major force in the promotion of music education in New York State.
In the early years, NYSSMA’s primary focus was on providing opportunities for students to participate in music ensembles. The organization sponsored festivals and competitions for bands, choruses, and orchestras. NYSSMA also provided funding for music education programs in schools and communities across the state.
In the 1960s and 1970s, NYSSMA began to expand its focus to include professional development for music educators. The organization offered workshops and clinics on a variety of topics, including music theory, pedagogy, and curriculum development. NYSSMA also began to publish a journal, the NYSSMA Journal, which featured articles on music education research and practice.
Today, NYSSMA is a thriving organization with over 30,000 members. The organization continues to provide opportunities for students to participate in music ensembles, festivals, and competitions. NYSSMA also offers professional development for music educators and publishes a variety of resources on music education.
NYSSMA’s Mission and Goals
NYSSMA has four primary missions:
1. To provide opportunities for students to participate in music ensembles, festivals, and competitions.
2. To provide resources and support to music educators.
3. To promote the advancement of music education in New York State.
4. To advocate for the importance of music education.
NYSSMA’s goals include:
1. To increase the number of students who participate in music ensembles.
2. To improve the quality of music education in New York State.
3. To increase the number of students who pursue careers in music.
4. To advocate for the importance of music education to policymakers and the general public.
NYSSMA’s Programs and Services
NYSSMA offers a variety of programs and services to support music education in New York State. These programs and services include:
- Music Ensembles: NYSSMA sponsors festivals and competitions for bands, choruses, and orchestras. These events provide students with the opportunity to perform in a competitive environment and to receive feedback from experienced music educators.
- Professional Development: NYSSMA offers workshops and clinics on a variety of topics, including music theory, pedagogy, and curriculum development. The organization also publishes a journal, the NYSSMA Journal, which features articles on music education research and practice.
- Resources: NYSSMA provides a variety of resources to support music educators, including lesson plans, teaching materials, and assessment tools.
- Advocacy: NYSSMA advocates for the importance of music education to policymakers and the general public. The organization regularly testifies before legislative committees and works with other organizations to promote the benefits of music education.
Benefits of NYSSMA Membership
There are many benefits to becoming a member of NYSSMA. These benefits include:
- Access to resources: NYSSMA members have access to a variety of resources, including lesson plans, teaching materials, and assessment tools.
- Professional development: NYSSMA members can attend workshops and clinics on a variety of topics, including music theory, pedagogy, and curriculum development.
- Networking: NYSSMA members can network with other music educators from across the state.
- Advocacy: NYSSMA members can get involved in the organization’s advocacy efforts to promote the importance of music education.
How to Become a NYSSMA Member
To become a member of NYSSMA, you must be a music educator, a student, or a parent of a student who is involved in music education. You can join NYSSMA online or by mail.
Conclusion
NYSSMA is a valuable organization that provides support to music educators and students in New York State. The organization’s programs and services help to promote the advancement of music education and ensure that all students have the opportunity to experience the benefits of music.
