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, November 4, 2023
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, February 2023
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 by March ___, 2024. 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, May 4, 2024
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. Location: Stillwell Piano - 1941 W Guadalupe Rd. #115 Mesa, AZ 85202
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 of May __, 2024.
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 May __, 2024.
Awards Ceremony , May 15, 2024
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).
Location:Stillwell Piano 1941 W Guadalupe Rd. #115 Mesa, AZ 85202
* Fees for each KG event are $11 per student, per event, provided registration includes at least one of the following: Technic, Sight Reading, Theory, or Ear Training. Students participating in all 7 events will be charged $70. Full year registration and fees due October __, 2023. Checks payable to Keyboard Gymnastics of Phoenix. The fee is $25 if the student is registering only for full day adjudicated events (Creative Project and Performance Event) to be paid no later than two weeks prior to each event day for the student to be included in that event.
*Fees for Club Piano Jr. students are covered by the registration fee.
We do our very best to keep Keyboard Gymnastics fees as low as possible,but various factors such as facilities, awards, adjudicators, etc., may necessitate increases. All Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.