Piano lessons often make people think of quiet recital halls and serious solo performances. But this Sunday March 8, CMC is changing that with the first-ever Pianolympics. The event will take place in CMC’s new Piano Lab and will turn music theory into a fun, high-energy game. It’s designed especially for beginners ages 8 to 12.
Program Director Sylvia Sherman shared that the idea came from wanting to make the early stages of learning music more engaging and exciting for young students. “Our Piano Department Head, Rosi Garcia Plaza has been thinking about this event for awhile, and we finally are able to host it in our new Piano Lab!” Sherman says. “Rosi teaches piano to a lot of younger children and knows that playing games is a great way to learn and improve skills on piano. This event will allow beginning pianists (designed for 8–12 year-olds who have taken one year of piano classes or lessons.) to engage in an afternoon of friendly spirited piano play with an opportunity for learning and prizes.”
Unlike a traditional competition where students might perform a prepared piece in solitude, the Pianolympics utilizes seven pianos simultaneously. The event is structured around quick, sub-ten-minute rounds that test fundamental musicianship.
“Through a series of fast paced games students will get to test their knowledge on note playing, repeating musical phrases, repeating rhythms, working with skips and steps and other fun games,” Sherman explains. “During the course of the afternoon, students will be able to demonstrate what they know and learn new things in a friendly, fun environment.”
While there is a title at stake—points will be tallied to crown a “Gold Medalist” who will win a CMC T-shirt—the organizers have emphasized that the atmosphere is about camaraderie rather than cutthroat rivalry. Every student who enters the lab will leave with a participation prize.
“We hope students will feel a sense of pride in what they know really well and feel excited about learning new things for any games that may be more challenging,” says Sherman. “And we hope students may make friends during these games!”
Event Essentials
- Who: 8–12 year-olds with approx. one year of experience (must know note names, rhythm values, and basic staff reading).
- When: Sunday, March 8, 2026 | 2:30–4:00 pm.
- Where: CMC Piano Lab.
- Cost: FREE (Registration required).
- Note: Due to space limitations, parents may be asked to wait outside the activity room during the games.