Keyboard Gymnastics
Keyboard Gymnastics is an achievement program for piano students, beginning through advanced. Students are tested in seven areas of study: Theory, Ear-training, Technic, Sight-reading, Performance, Ensemble, and Creative Project. Ten levels of study are included in all areas except Performance, Ensemble and Creative Project (which are subjective). Students are entered at their individual level in each area, not one level across the board. This program is helpful in motivating students to be at the proper level and to reach their potential in all of these important areas of study. Students may enter a few, or all of the events.
Awards and prizes are given for outstanding achievement in each individual event as well as for completing all seven events. Only those who enter and receive a passing score (7.0 or higher) in all seven events are eligible for the all-around award and the Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for their division. Prizes and awards may include cash, gift cards, music writing software, or movie passes and more.
Events are passed off throughout the year, as opposed to all on one day. This gives students the opportunity to be well-prepared for each event and tested when they are ready.
Creative Project
Students create projects about a music subject which may be displayed or performed. The display format is similar to a science fair, with each student explaining and demonstrating their project to the judges. Creative Project performance format could be an original composition, a skit, a play, a narration, etc. that is performed for the judges. Teachers and students may receive a list of possible project ideas before the event. Students are adjudicated by 2-3 judges whose points are averaged for their final score.
Ensemble
Ensemble is usually held in conjunction with the PMTA Ensemble Concerts at Arcadia High School. All students will receive the same score of 8.5. Those students who wish to perform a concerto, a duet NOT with PMTA, or EVMTA, may choose to perform their ensembles via video and upload to the Keyboard Gymnastics of Phoenix Facebook page. Ensembles submitted via video will be adjudicated using the KG rating system from 0.0 -10.0. Ensembles must be performed by youth students. Concertos may be accompanied by an adult. Students will be adjudicated by 2-3 judges whose points are averaged for the student's final score. Students will receive written comments as well as a numeric score.
Performance Event
Students are assigned a recital time between 9 am and 3 pm and will perform two contrasting pieces on a short recital. Students are adjudicated by 2-3 judges whose points are averaged for their final score.
Technic and Sight-Reading
These are ongoing events - meaning that when a student is ready to pass off a technic or sight-reading level, they will be instructed to call a tester and make an appointment to pass off their technic or sight-reading. More than one technic or sight-reading level may be passed off during the year. Tests must be completed by the designated deadline.
Theory and Ear Training
These are also ongoing events. Tests can be taken whenever the student is ready. Participating teachers will administer tests (after agreeing to follow specific guidelines to ensure the integrity of the testing) and submit completed tests by the designated deadline.
Awards Ceremony
Outstanding achievements will be honored for each KG event, and we may hear selected Gold medal performances. Awards and prizes are given for outstanding achievement in each individual event as well as for completing all seven events with a passing score (7.0 or higher). Only those who enter all seven events are eligible for the all-around award and the Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for their division. Everyone who entered an event, regardless of how many, receives a certificate and recognition. Prizes and awards may include cash, gift certificates, movie passes, candy, music writing software or music listening devices ( headphones, Echo).
* Fees for KG events are covered for Club Piano Jr. students by their registration fee.