Maryland (MMEA) Solo & Ensemble Festival: Classical Guitar Preparation
Earning a "Superior" (I) rating at the Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA) Solo & Ensemble Festival is a premier credential for high school musicians. Advancing from the District level to the State level requires flawless traditional classical technique, rigorous rhythmic control, and profound musical interpretation.
At Dan O Music Academy, we provide structured, rubric-based coaching under the direction of a Master of Music (M.M.) in Performance to help students master the approved MMEA classical guitar repertoire and secure top ratings for their collegiate resumes.
What the MMEA Adjudicators Evaluate
The festival grades strictly on foundational classical musicianship. To earn a "Superior" (I) rating, adjudicators require excellence in:
Tone Production & Mechanics
Consistent alternating right-hand fingering, proper nail/flesh execution, and a warm, projecting classical tone (standard acoustic picking is not applicable).
Rhythmic Accuracy & Tempo
Adherence to the composer's exact intended tempo and flawless rhythmic execution, particularly in advanced syncopated works.
Interpretation & Phrasing
The ability to shape melodies, execute dynamic contrast, and understand the historical stylistic context of the piece.
Repertoire Selection & Grade Requirements
Any high school student (grades 9–12) is allowed to perform any piece from the official MMEA list spanning Grade 2 through Grade 6. However, to advance to the State festival, you must earn a Superior rating on a Grade 2 piece or higher at the District level.
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Standard High School Level (Grades 2–4)
A typical high school guitarist performing at the festival will choose pieces like Fernando Sor's Andante (Grade 2), Leo Brouwer's Estudios Sencillos (Grade 4), or J.S. Bach's Bourrée in E minor (Grade 4).
Advanced / Conservatory Bound (Grades 5–6)
Exceptional high school players aiming for performance degrees or top-tier honors must master elite repertoire. This includes works like Heitor Villa-Lobos's Choros or Gavotte Choros (Grade 5), or John Dowland's Fantasia (Grade 6).
Dan O Music Academy's Festival Preparation Timeline
Preparing a solo for state adjudication is a multi-month process that requires careful coordination with your high school music director. We build a customized timeline to ensure you peak exactly on festival day.
Phase 1: Fall & Winter (Preparation & District Festivals)
September – November
We evaluate your technical baseline and select an approved piece from the MMEA list. You must notify your school music ensemble director during this window, as they are required to oversee and submit your application.
December – January
Your school teacher submits your registration for the local District Solo & Ensemble Festival. We lock in your memorization and right-hand mechanics.
February – Early March
You perform live at your local District Festival. Earning a Superior (I) rating on your Grade 2+ piece secures your invitation to States.
Phase 2: Spring (State Registration & Performances)
Mid-to-Late March
The State Festival registration window opens and closes rapidly. The core deadline typically falls in mid-March, with a brief late registration buffer at the end of the month.
April
We run high-pressure mock adjudications in the studio to eliminate performance anxiety. MMEA publishes the official performance schedules at the end of the month.
Mid-May
The official State Solo & Ensemble Festival adjudications take place. Guitar falls under the string and solo instrument category, typically performing during the first Saturday of the testing block.