A close-up of a black and silver flute placed on sheet music papers with musical notes and notation.

Long Island Music Educator Performance Prize

Following its successful inaugural run in October 2025, the NSSO Long Island Music Educator Performance Prize returns to celebrate the outstanding musical talent and dedication to education among in-service K-12 music educators in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Our local educators have worked with countless talented students who have gone on to distinguished careers across the music world. This unique competition turns the spotlight back onto these dedicated teachers, offering them a rare opportunity to showcase their own artistry and perform live with a full symphony orchestra.

2026 Rules, Regulations & Eligibility

    • Professional Status: Open to current, in-service K-12 music teachers employed by a public or private institution of learning in Nassau or Suffolk County.

    • Residency: Applicants must be legal residents of the United States.

    • Orchestra Restrictions: Active members of the NSSO who have performed in 3 or more concerts within the last calendar year are not eligible. Past winners of this prize are also ineligible to re-enter.

    • Eligible Instruments:

      • Winds: Flute, Piccolo, Oboe, English Horn, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone

      • Brass: French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba

      • Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass

      • Voice: Any vocal range

      • Other: Piano, Guitar, Harp

      • Note: If you perform on an orchestral instrument not listed above and wish to enter, please contact nssoyaac@gmail.com to verify eligibility.

    • Piece Requirements: Entries must be a fully notated classical work written for solo instrument and orchestra, ranging between 8 to 25 minutes in total duration.

    • Movement or Full Work: Applicants may choose to perform a single movement or a concerto in its entirety. Performance from memory is not required.

    • Orchestration: Works should ideally feature standard orchestral instrumentation. Repertoire choices must be approved by the NSSO Music Director and the Friends of NSSO for difficulty, length, and instrumentation.

    • Copyright & Rental Fees: Selections should preferably be in the public domain (published in or before 1930). The NSSO will cover music rental costs up to $300. Any rental costs exceeding $300 must be covered by the applicant. Substitutions are not permitted after form submission.

    • Video Submission: Initial auditions are evaluated via an unedited video using a single-position camera and a live accompanist. The video must begin with a clear, spoken introduction stating your name, your repertoire selection, and your employing school district.

      • Pianists: Ensure your hands and torso are fully visible.

      • Vocalists: Ensure at least ¾ of your body is visible with the camera positioned at eye level.

    • Application Deadline: All completed digital entry forms and streaming video links (YouTube, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) must be submitted by August 15, 2026.

    • Winner Announcement: The winner will be officially announced no later than September 1, 2026.

    • The Concert: The grand prize winner must commit to performing their selected work live with the NSSO on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 4:00 PM at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City, NY.

    • Program Note: All NSSO concerts and repertoire are subject to change. In the event of a postponement or program alteration, the NSSO will make every effort to reschedule the winner's performance

  • In addition to the solo performance billing with the North Shore Symphony Orchestra, the winner receives:

    • A $500 cash prize awarded by the Friends of NSSO.

    • Premium classroom speakers generously donated by Sweetwater Sound to support the winner's school music program.

  • Should I enter with a full concerto or a single movement? Will one be viewed more favorably?

    You should choose whichever option presents your performance in the best possible light. Full concertos and single movements are given entirely equal consideration by the selection committee. We recognize that busy music educators face tight schedules, so a single movement may be easier to prepare, but the choice is entirely yours.

    Will a piece that is not in the public domain be considered?

    Yes. The NSSO will cover music rental costs up to $300. If your selected work costs more than $300 to rent, you will be responsible for covering the remaining balance or selecting a different piece. If you reach out to us at nssoyaac@gmail.com prior to applying, the NSSO will gladly research the rental cost for your selection and let you know the pricing before you submit your entry.

    Note: The work you submit in your application is expected to be the work you perform in the concert; substitutions are not permitted.

    Can I enter with a duo partner instead of as a soloist?

    No. This performance prize is strictly designated for solo performers.

    I don't have a live accompanist available for my video submission—can I still enter?

    Yes, you may still enter. However, please note that it can be difficult for the panel to fully evaluate your performance without the collaborative element of an accompaniment. If you need assistance, we would be happy to provide local pianist recommendations. Feel free to contact us at nssoyaac@gmail.com.

Entry Form