In rhythmic gymnastics the music isn't a backdrop. It's scored. Artistry deductions punish routines that merely happen near their soundtrack, and reward those where every throw lands on an accent. Here's how music works in the sport, and how to choose a piece worth a season of training.
Quick answer
- Individual routines run 1:15–1:30. Group routines run 2:15–2:30.
- Vocals are allowed under the modern FIG Code, but the music must stay in keeping with the sport's character. Always check the current season's code.
- The routine must start and end with the music.
- Choose the music before the choreography, and check the cut length against the rules.
The rules
- Length: 1:15–1:30 for individual routines, 2:15–2:30 for groups. Time judges penalize overruns.
- Lyrics: once forbidden, vocals are now permitted under the modern FIG Code (introduced gradually since 2013). The music must remain "in keeping with the sport's character". Check the current season's code for specifics.
- Start and finish: the routine must start and end with the music. Dead air at either end draws deductions.
| Routine type | Music length |
|---|---|
| Individual | 1:15–1:30 |
| Group | 2:15–2:30 |
The final score combines the D-score (difficulty), the E-score (execution, with deductions from 10.00), minus any penalties. Music affects the execution and artistry side, so a well-matched piece helps the whole routine. New to the sport? Our introduction to rhythmic gymnastics covers the basics.
What makes a great competition piece
- Clear structure: judges (and audiences) respond to builds, drops and accents the gymnast can visibly hit with apparatus catches.
- One emotion, committed: drama, joy, tango tension. A 90-second piece can sell exactly one story.
- Age-appropriate: a 9-year-old performing to heavy film noir reads as costume, not artistry. Let young gymnasts be playful.
- Editing quality: most pieces are cut from longer works, so invest in a clean edit with no jarring transitions.
Matching music to apparatus
Coaches often type-cast. It's not a rule, but it works because the apparatus's movement quality echoes the sound.
| Apparatus | Music that often suits it |
|---|---|
| Ball | Lyrical, flowing pieces |
| Rope | Playful rhythms |
| Clubs | Sharp, percussive scores |
| Ribbon | Sweeping orchestral builds, whose spirals visualize the melody line |
Picture the shimmer of a glitter competition ball against a soft, flowing melody. The look and the sound should tell the same story.
Step-by-step: from idea to final file
- Shortlist pieces that fit the gymnast's age, personality and apparatus.
- Listen for accents: can you picture a throw, catch or turn landing on each build or drop?
- Live with it for a week. The gymnast will hear it 500+ times this season, so she needs to still like it.
- Get a clean edit that fits the time limit for her routine type.
- Verify the cut length against the rules and the current season's code.
- Register or submit files in the format your meet requires.
- Build the routine. Our scoring guide explains how artistry connects music to the final number.
Common mistakes
- Choreographing first and hunting for music afterward.
- Choosing music that is too mature for a young gymnast.
- Using a rough cut with abrupt jumps or silence at the start or end.
- Going over the time limit and handing the time judges an easy penalty.
- Assuming lyrics are fine without checking the current code.
- Picking a piece with no clear accents, which leaves nothing to hit.
- Waiting until the last minute to confirm the file format a meet requires.
Pre-competition music checklist
- Length fits the routine type.
- Music begins and ends cleanly with the routine.
- Vocals, if any, are acceptable under the current code.
- The file matches the meet's format.
- A backup copy is ready.
Competing at a new level? See our guide to USA levels to know what to expect.
FAQ
What are the FIG music rules for rhythmic gymnastics?
Individual routines last 1:15–1:30 and group routines 2:15–2:30. The routine must start and end with the music, and vocals are allowed if the music stays in keeping with the sport's character. Check the current season's code for the details.
Can gymnastics music have lyrics?
Yes. Lyrics were once forbidden, but vocals are now permitted under the modern FIG Code, which introduced the change gradually since 2013. The piece still has to suit the sport, so confirm the current season's wording before you commit.
What about radio edits? Can I use a song straight from the radio?
A radio edit can be a handy starting point because it's already shortened. It isn't automatically the right length or structure, though. Check it against the time limit for your routine type, make sure it has clear accents, and have it cleanly edited so it starts and ends the way the routine needs.
How long should the music be?
Match it to the routine type: 1:15–1:30 for individuals and 2:15–2:30 for groups. Time judges penalize overruns, so verify the final cut before you submit it.
How do I choose music for a young gymnast?
Pick something age-appropriate and playful rather than heavy or overly dramatic. Choose one clear emotion, listen for builds and accents she can hit with her apparatus, and let her live with the piece for a week before choreography begins.