National ScholasticNSJMA

How it works

Path to success

Students may begin at any time and work at their own pace. Completing the process within a few focused months is recommended.

  1. 01

    Record past accomplishments

    Document eligibility, honor-ensemble auditions, festivals, and extracurricular musical activity.

  2. 02

    Obtain a reference

    Request the required personal reference from the appropriate music educator.

  3. 03

    Demonstrate music knowledge

    Study and complete the required music terms, history, and theory assessments.

  4. 04

    Demonstrate tonal memory

    Prepare and record the required solfege exercises for pitch accuracy.

  5. 05

    Prepare the written presentation

    Review the rubric, outline the response, revise it, and submit the final essay.

  6. 06

    Record scales or rudiments

    Instrumentalists rehearse with a metronome and submit the required technical demonstration.

  7. 07

    Submit the solo performance

    Select suitable literature, review the rubric, record the performance, and submit it for adjudication.