NYSCAME, was founded in 1964. The organizational meeting to approve its Constitution and By-Laws was held in Schenectady, New York, on December 5, 1964. More than fifty (50) Directors of Music from the entire state braved a tremendous ice storm to attend this most important conclave. In the ensuing years, NYSCAME has grown in scope, size, and service. Activities have included work with the State Education Department concerning teacher and administrative certification, examination revisions and development, music staffing recommendations, research, minimum competencies, and standards.

As an affiliate of NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association), COMTEP (Council of Music Teacher Education Programs), and NYSCEA (New York State Council of Educational Associations), NYSCAME has worked closely to sponsor annual summer and winter clinics, Music In Our Schools Day in Albany, Part 100 Regulation changes, and a survey-based publication, “What To Look For In A New Music Teacher.”
Our roster of Past Presidents represents a Who’s Who of Leaders of Music Education in New York State.

NYSCAME Past Presidents:

1964-1965    John Brierly                          
1965-1966    H. Dudley Mairs                    1985-1986     James Brown
1967-1968    Charles V. Decker                1987-1990     Joseph Sugar
1969-1970    Elwood Easton                      1991-1992     John McNeur
1971-1972    Allen Segal                             1993-1995     James J. Cassara
1973-1974    Joseph Herbison                   1996-1997     John Krestic
1975-1976    William Gee                           1998-1999     David P. Cerullo
1977-1978    Harriet Bartlett                     2000-2001     Gary Stith
1979-1980    Richard McCrystal                 2002-2003     Stuart E. Rauch
1981-1982    Kirby Jolly                               2004-2005     Marc Greene
1983-1984    Dennis Miller                          2006-2007     Cindy Baldwin
                                                           2007-              Joel Ratner