The Piano Olympics is a tried and true student favorite in my studio. Here is why they love it so much and how you can try it with your piano students this year!
If you found this page, I’m guessing that you are a piano teacher looking for something a little extra special to keep your piano students engaged and practicing this year.
Whether you’re not quite sold on recitals or are looking for a fun alternative to summer camps or traditional piano competitions, let me introduce you to my students’ favorite event: The Piano Olympics.
- What it is: A 10-week in-studio piano competition focused on technique + theory
- Perfect for teachers with big OR small studios
- Engaging, motivating, and educational for students
- Also: fun, flexible, and profitable!
What Is the Piano Olympics?
The Piano Olympics is a friendly in-studio competition that runs for 10 weeks. Students choose one technique event (scales, arpeggios, or chords) and one theory event (notes, intervals, chords, or key signatures), then train for 8 weeks. In week 9, they test on their events, and in week 10—awards are given.
You can run it solo in your own private studio or make it a studio-wide production with outside judges and a live awards ceremony.
- Each event has milestone checklists
- Friendly in-studio competition at each level
- Optional team competition builds community and motivation
Why Run a Studio Piano Competition?
We’re all busy. So why add something like this to your already full plate? Here’s why it’s worth it:
✅ For Teachers:
- A fun reason to focus on skills like technique and theory, which often get skipped in 30-minute lessons
- A noticeable increase in student practice motivation
- The chance to charge a participation fee (recommended: $25–30 per student)
- Reusability: Once you have the materials and know-how, you can run this again and again
✅ For Your Studio:
- Boost student retention during slow seasons (hello, summer!)
- Add credibility to your studio (looks very impressive to new families)
- Generate additional income with low overhead
The Benefits for Students and Parents
Your students will:
- Build finger independence and dexterity
- Finally love technique or theory (who knew?!)
- Gain confidence through performance and testing
- Get motivated by milestones and team points
- Practice more (because they want to)
Their parents will:
- See real progress (“Hey, that arpeggio sounds amazing now!”)
- Cheer them on at the final ceremony
- Get a sense that their tuition is really paying off
- Appreciate the sportsmanship and effort their kids show
How It Works: Week by Week
| Week | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Students choose 1 technique + 1 theory event. Assign teams. |
| Weeks 2–8 | Weekly practice, progress checklists, and points earned |
| Week 9 | Final performance + written theory test |
| Week 10 | Awards ceremony (individual + team winners!) |
What are the Technique Levels?
Students will choose just one Technique Level out of the following options.
Scales
Level 1: Major Pentascales
Level 2: Minor Pentascales
Level 3: Major Octave Scales
Level 4: Natural Minor Octave Scales
Level 5: Harmonic Minor Octave Scales
Level 6: Major 2-Octave Scales
Level 7: Harmonic Minor 2-Octave Scales
Level 8: Melodic Minor 2-Octave Scales
Arpeggios
Level 1: Major Pentascale Arpeggios
Level 2: Minor Pentascale Arpeggios
Level 3: L.H. Crossover Major Arpeggios
Level 4: L.H. Crossover Minor Arpeggios
Level 5: Major Octave Arpeggios
Level 6: Minor Octave Arpeggios
Level 7: Major 2-Octave Arpeggios
Level 8: Minor 2-Octave Arpeggios
Chords
Level 1: Major Pentascale I-V7-I Chord Progressions
Level 2: Minor Pentascale I-V7-I Chord Progressions
Level 3: Major Triad I-V7-I Chord Progressions
Level 4: Minor Triad I-V7-I Chord Progressions
Level 5: Major Triad I-IV-I-V7-I Chord Progressions
Level 6: Minor Triad I-IV-I-V7-I Chord Progressions
Level 7: Major Triad Octave Inversions
Level 8: Minor Triad Octave Inversions
What are the Theory Levels?
In addition to their 1 Technique Level, students will also choose just one Theory Level out of the following options.
Notes & Intervals
Level 1: Intervals: Steps vs Skips
Level 2: Notes on the Staff: C3 – C5
Level 3: Intervals: 2nds, 3rds, 4ths & 5ths
Level 4: Notes on the Staff: G2 – G5
Level 5: Intervals: 6ths, 7ths & 8ves
Level 6: Notes Off the Staff: Mid-Range Ledger Lines
Level 7: Notes Off the Staff: High & Low Ledger Lines
Chords & Key Signatures
Level 1: Major Triads
Level 2: Major & Minor Triads
Level 3: Triad Inversions
Level 4: Major Key Signatures
Level 5: Major & Minor Key Signatures
Level 6: Major I, IV or V7 Triads
Level 7: Dominant 7th Chords
Level Previews
Want a closer look at what your students will actually be doing?
Take a look at the full preview which includes a peek into each Technique and Theory level here.
The Team Competition (Optional but Highly Recommended)
I split my students into 4 teams—Red, Blue, Yellow, Green. Even though each student is judged individually, their milestones also add up to a team total. That means everyone contributes, even the younger or less advanced students.
Bonus: Team spirit adds a layer of excitement that pushes them to do their best every single week.
🎉 Team prizes? That’s up to you—treats, small trophies, or even just bragging rights work wonders.
But What About Beginners?
Great question. I do modify events for brand-new students. For example, even the Level 1 Scales event includes all 13 versions of the pentascale!
So I often group absolute beginners into a custom event just for them. With a modified level (for example: just the first 6-8 scales), they still get to participate, build skills, and contribute points to their team—without being overwhelmed.
Ready to Host Your Own Piano Olympics?
I’ve made it super easy with a Piano Olympics Toolkit and a Step-by-Step Course, both available in my online store. Depending on your budget and experience, you can:
- 💸 DIY with just the Toolkit
- 🎓 Take the full Course for step-by-step guidance
👉 Check out the Piano Olympics products here
👉 Watch the full intro video on YouTube
Potential Studio Profit
If you charge:
- $20/student: 25 students = $500 / 30 students = $600
- $25/student: 25 students = $625 / 40 students = $1,000
- $30/student: 25 students = $750 / 45 students = $1,350
Once you’ve got your materials, you can run this again year after year. It pays for itself quickly.
And as far as expenses go, keep your event simple with a small budget, or make it a grand production. It’s up to you!
In Summary: Why Piano Olympics Rocks
✅ Engages students
✅ Keeps families invested
✅ Strengthens your studio’s reputation
✅ Creates fun, achievable goals
✅ Adds variety (and energy) to your teaching year
Grab the Piano Olympics Resources
🛍️ Piano Olympics Toolkit – all printable materials
🎓 Full Piano Olympics Course – step-by-step walkthrough for teachers
📺 Watch the intro video on YouTube
Got questions? Pop them in the comments—I’d love to help! 👇
Whether you’re a DIY type or someone who wants a full roadmap, the Piano Olympics might just be the most fun thing you do in your studio this year.
– Phoenix (The Tattooed Piano Teacher)
🛒 Shop Digital Resources