Midwest Keyboard Performers Challenge

  • Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
  • Online registration Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Late Fee Deadline: February 9, 2026
  • Location:  Harper College
  • Contact email: [email protected]
  • SEND ENTRY FEES TO BRENDA HUANG
  • CLICK HERE FOR THE SCHEDULE (not yet available) 
  • ​CLICK HERE for a printable flyer (not yet available)
  • CLICK HERE to REGISTER
 
Mission
To motivate, encourage and practice the art of piano performance in a fun, friendly setting. 

To build an active piano community of teachers, families, and students, and provide a chance for people to meet and listen to performances.  We would like the families to commit to a minimum of 1.5 hours of participation time, an equivalent of a sporting event. 

Increase repertoire awareness and motivation to practice. 


Format
Small recitals 25 to 45 minutes in duration by themed categories consisting of 6-10 students.  Students will receive a written evaluation and points from the judges at the end of performance.  Recitals are open to everyone.  Families are allowed to video record.  Minimum of three recitals occurring simultaneously. 


12 Categories

1. Baroque 
2. Classical 
3. Romantic 
4. Impressionist 
5. Contemporary 
6. Composers of Diversity 
7. Method Book Pieces (3-piece group)
8. Etudes
9. Duets
10. Concerto
11. Jazz and Ragtime 
12. Student Composition

NEW additional category:  Scales Challenge (no fee)
Provide a scale list of up to four scales signed by the teacher.  Students can earn one bonus point if they play one of the scales on the list perfectly on the first try. Students can bring up to three different lists for a maximum three bonus points.

Registration
  • $25 first piece, $10 for each subsequent piece (3 method book levels 1-3 pieces will count as one piece, 2 method book levels 4-5 pieces will count as 1 piece)
  • $35 late fee for first piece, $15 for each subsequent piece, if registration is received after deadline
  • No limit on number of pieces or categories


Judging
Group Recital Format
Instructions for performer

Ages 9 and under:
Announce name
Few sentence(s) about themselves
Announce piece(s) (composer/title)

Ages 10 - 12:
Announce name
Few sentences about themselves
Announce piece(s) (composer/title)
Few sentences about the piece(s)

Ages 13+:
Announce name
Few sentences about themselves
Announce piece(s) (composer/title)
Few sentences about the piece(s)
Answer question(s) from the judge

 
Scoring
Each piece performed will be assigned a maximum number of points by difficulty.  Judges will award the performer for each piece up to the maximum point value.  Details will be presented in the October meeting.  Registrant will not need to worry about the points at the time of registration.  We will develop a drop box that automatically gives the point.  Pieces not listed in the AIM performance level will be assigned points by the competition director.

Method Book Pieces Primer to Level 3
2 points 

Method book Pieces Level 4 and above
3 points

AIM Performance Level 1-3 pieces
2 points

AIM Performance Level 4-7 pieces
3 points

AIM Performance Level 8-10 pieces
4 points

AIM Performance level 11-12+ pieces
5-6 points

Concerto
5-6 points

Student Composition
Earn up to 10 points at judge’s discretion

Composers of Diversity
Earn up to 10 points at judge’s discretion

 
Awards
Students will receive a trophy according to the points accrued.  Points can be redeemed at the “Awards Store” for various prizes.  Students 13 and older can exchange their points for jackpot raffle tickets with options to enter for cash awards and gift cards.