KeysFest
Join us on Saturday, February 21 for KeysFest 2026
9:00AM – 6:00PM in the Epic Center in downtown Kalamazoo
KeysFest is an annual learning event for West Michigan piano students grades 1-12. Students perform in a master class setting with an audience of supportive peers and adults, receiving one-on-one instruction from professional pianists and educators.
What is a Master Class? A master class is a public piano lesson with your peers. Students perform a prepared piece before a small audience and receive immediate feedback and instruction from their clinicians. Master classes typically last 30-90 minutes and have an average of 3-6 students per session. Participants stay for the entire class and learn from their fellow performers.
In addition to master classes, this one-day event includes elective workshops, and a concert plus Q&A with music majors from area universities, which are open to all participating students, families, and teachers.
Families and students participate in KeysFest each in their own way– some attend only their assigned master class, while others choose to participate in workshops and attend the midday concert. All participants are encouraged to observe other master classes.
Child care is not provided by The Gilmore; all children need adult supervision throughout the day.
Student Qualifications and Preparation
- All students grades 1–12 who are currently studying piano may register.
- Students choose one musical selection and prepare it for performance with the help of their piano teachers. Beginning students may play two pieces, not longer than 1.5 minutes.
- Piano selections do not need to be memorized; however, they should be well-prepared.
- Students must bring a copy of music to the event.
- Students should be very comfortable performing their repertoire, and starting at various spots in the piece.
Repertoire Additions and Changes
Students must submit their piece title and composer for inclusion in the KeysFest program book. We ask for this information at registration, but recognize that some students may not know which piece they will play until later. Click on the button below to add or change the piece your student will play before February 13, 2026.
Registration and Scheduling
KeysFest 2026 Registration is now closed
If you missed the deadline and still want to participate, there may still be a few spots available. Click the button below to email the Education Team.
If you are submitting a request for late registration and would like to apply for financial aid, please include this in your email.
Registration fees are payable online at the time of registration. Add-On workshops will include extra fees added to your online registration.
- $25 – KeysFest registration and master class for students 11 years and younger
- $30 – KeysFest registration and master class for students 12 years and older
- $15 – KeysFest elective add-on workshops
Financial aid is now closed.
Elective add-on workshops for beginner and intermediate Jazz and Improvisation and Keys to Music Production are extra fees added to your registration if you choose to participate.
Master classes are scheduled based on age and performance level. Each student will be scheduled for one class. Participants may select their preference for clinician and master class time (morning or afternoon) on the registration form.
Our 2026 Clinicians
Sungyeon Ahn
Michigan State University
Theresa Camilli
Northern Michigan University
Christopher Goodpasture
Interlochen Arts Academy
Laurie Marshall
Michigan Music Teachers Association
Julia Siciliano
Northwestern Music Academy
Michael Zutis
Suzuki Academy
KeysFest Student Recital and Interactive Talk: Life as a Music Major | 12:30 PM
Music Majors Mijeong Lee (Grand Valley State University), Gyuri Park (Kalamazoo College), and Nick Birchler (Western Michigan University) will present an informal recital where they will share pieces that they are currently working on and stories about their musical journeys. Deciding to go to college for music is a big decision! This panel of dedicated young jazz and classical pianists will answer your questions about the many exciting opportunities and experiences they have enjoyed as part of their studies, what it’s like to audition, how much practice time they put in, and more!
This free concert and Q&A session is open to all KeysFest students, families, and piano teachers.
KeysFest Add-On Classes
Jazz and Improvisation Workshops with Rufus Ferguson, Mott Community College, touring jazz pianist
$15 per person
Creating at the keyboard is a fun and exciting way to take your playing to a new level. Explore the art of jazz improvisation in a guided, hands-on workshop with Professor and Chair of Music Technology at Mott Community College, jazz pianist Rufus Ferguson. Learn how to get started, plus practice techniques to help you keep your ideas flowing at home. Beginner and Intermediate workshops are available.
Keys to Music Production with Colwyn Hoard
$15 per person
Music creation software has never been so accessible! In this workshop, composer and WMU graduate Colwyn Hoard will guide you through the steps of creating your own original music. Learn how to connect your piano or keyboard to a computer and use fun, free software to start making your own original compositions.