♪ NSMA award path
Path to Success Checklist
Begin any National Scholastic Musicians Award at any time of year. Completing the process within a couple of months is recommended, but not required. Work at your own pace and follow each step.
Each checklist preserves the preparation guidance from the original NSMA site. Your profile and award center track the actual completion state.
- STEP 01
Record past accomplishments
Document the experience that supports award eligibility.
- Document eligibility.
- Document honor-ensemble auditions or participation in solo and ensemble festivals.
- Document extracurricular musical activities.
- STEP 02
Obtain a reference
Request the required personal reference from the appropriate music educator.
- Follow the instructions in your profile to request a personal reference.
- Allow the educator enough time to respond before submitting the award.
- STEP 03
Demonstrate music knowledge
Prepare for all three required knowledge areas.
- Study Music Terms, take the practice test, then take the qualifying test.
- Use the Music History guide and listening examples before the practice and qualifying tests.
- Work through every Music Theory concept before the practice and qualifying tests.
- You have three chances to achieve the required perfect score in each area.
- STEP 04
Demonstrate tonal memory
Prepare and record the required solfege exercises for pitch accuracy.
- Learn the solfege method and practice every assigned exercise.
- Practice with classmates or an educator to confirm that you stay in the starting key.
- Record from the waist up; use the correct hand signs when required or desired.
- Review the recording and ask others to review it before uploading it for adjudication.
- STEP 05
Prepare the written presentation
Plan, revise, and submit your own essay.
- Review the essay rubric in the Adjudication Process.
- Outline the flow, then write a first draft of no more than 350 words.
- Do not use an AI program to write the essay.
- Ask trusted writers to review it, make necessary changes, and submit the final version.
- STEP 06
Record scales or rudiments
Instrumentalists submit the required technical demonstration.
- Set the performance order; chromatic order with the chromatic scale last is recommended.
- Rehearse with a metronome for consistent meter and with a timer for the allotted duration.
- Record the complete scales or rudiments demonstration, review it, and upload it in the designated location.
- STEP 07
Submit the solo performance
Prepare a performance that meets the selected award requirements.
- Instrumentalists select a qualifying solo; vocalists select the required songs from the provided repertoire.
- Review the performance rubric and required video format.
- Rehearse until performance-ready, record the complete performance, and submit it in the designated location.
Start your journey today
Create your profile, then use the award center to work through each step.