Keyboard Gymnastics of Phoenix

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 at one level across the board. This program helps motivate 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 certificates, a karaoke machine, an Echo Dot, headphones, etc. To see photos and read more about us, join our Facebook group.

Events are completed throughout the year, as opposed to all on one day. This allows students to be well-prepared for each event and tested when they are ready.

The first event is Creative Project, November 15, 2025. (registration due Oct. 24, 2025) 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. The Creative Project Performance format could be an original composition, a skit, play, narrative, etc., performed for 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. The Huffman family has graciously offered their large yard and home for this event. Students must provide their own tables for displays.

Creative Project Location:

Petersen Home

4243 E Fox St
Mesa ARIZONA 85205

The next event is Ensemble, which is held in conjunction with PMTA or EVMTA Ensemble Concerts. All students receive the same score (8.5.) Those students who wish to perform a concerto or a duet NOT with PMTA, or EVMTA, may perform their ensembles via video and upload to the Keyboard Gymnastics of Phoenix Facebook page by March 28, 2026. KG of Phx FB 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. Video ensembles will receive written comments as well as a numeric score.

Performance Event - May 2, 2026

Location:

Steinway and Sons Pianos
14418 N. Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Students are assigned a recital time between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm and will perform two contrasting pieces in a short recital. Students are adjudicated by 2-3 judges whose points are averaged for their final score.

Technic and Sight-Reading 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 8, 2026.

Theory and Ear Training 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 8, 2026.

Awards Ceremony - May 13, 2026

Location:

Steinway and Sons Piano
14418 N. Scottsdale Rd. Ste. #148
Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Outstanding achievements will be honored for each 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 (iPod, headphones, Echo).

*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 24, 2025. Checks payable to Keyboard Gymnastics of Phoenix. The fee is $25 if the student is registering only for full-day adjudicated events (Creative Project, Virtual Ensemble, or the Performance Event) to be paid no later than two weeks before each event day for the student to be included in that event.

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.