Floor music isn’t just background sound—it’s the heartbeat of a gymnast’s routine. The right track can bring out artistry, elevate choreography, and set the tone for performance.
But choosing music isn’t one-size-fits-all. The rules and style expectations evolve as athletes progress through the USAG Development Program, from Level 1 beginners to Level 10 optionals.
Levels 1–3: Building Basics Without Music
At the earliest stages of the program, no floor music is required. These are compulsory routines, and gymnasts perform to set choreography designed by USA Gymnastics.
- Why no music yet? The goal is skill development. Routines focus on form, timing, and basic dance elements. Without music, coaches and judges can better evaluate fundamentals like posture, body alignment, and rhythm.
- Choreography style: Simple, structured, and identical for every gymnast at that level.
👉 Tip for parents: Don’t stress about music until your gymnast moves into Level 4. Until then, celebrate progress in presentation and artistry.
Level 4–5: Introduction to Music and Musicality
Levels 4 and 5 are the first compulsory levels where floor music is added. Routines are still standardized, with set choreography provided by USAG and the same pre-selected music for every gymnast nationwide.
- Music style: Energetic but simple instrumentals, carefully composed to match the choreography.
- Purpose: To introduce musicality—teaching athletes how to match movement with rhythm and phrasing.
- Choreography freedom: None. All gymnasts perform the same routine to the same track.
👉 Tip for gymnasts: Use these years to focus on expressiveness. Even though everyone performs the same routine, you can stand out by performing with energy, clean lines, and confidence.
Levels 6–10: Optional Routines and Custom Music
Everything changes at Level 6 and up. Gymnasts move into optional levels, which means they create their own routines with unique choreography. This is when choosing the right floor music becomes essential.
Level 6: Beginner Optional
- Music length: 1:00–1:30 minutes (standard for all optionals).
- Style: Fun, upbeat, and clear in rhythm to support simpler choreography.
- Goal: Confidence and consistency. Choose music that feels natural and easy to count, like instrumental pop or jazz edits.
👉 Best picks: Music with strong beats and clear phrasing—avoiding overly complex tracks.
Level 7–8: Building Personality
- Music length: 1:00–1:30 minutes.
- Style: Tracks that highlight performance and character. At these levels, artistry deductions become more significant.
- Goal: Show off style. This is the time to choose music that reflects personality—playful, sassy, elegant, or dramatic.
👉 Best picks: Movie soundtracks, Latin-inspired rhythms, or bold mash-ups that allow for both powerful tumbling and expressive dance.
Level 9: Refinement and Difficulty
- Music length: Same 1:00–1:30 range.
- Style: More complex, layered music that challenges artistry and expression. Judges now expect routines to look polished and professional.
- Goal: Refine your identity as a performer. Level 9 is often a proving ground for athletes aiming for Level 10 or college gymnastics.
👉 Best picks: Instrumental remixes, orchestral-pop crossovers, or bold anthems with dramatic highs and lows.
Level 10: Elite Performance Readiness
- Music length: 1:00–1:30.
- Style: Professional-quality edits tailored to highlight strengths. At this level, floor routines should look like performances worthy of NCAA or even international competition.
- Goal: Maximize artistry, originality, and difficulty. Floor music should not only support tumbling but also command attention and leave a lasting impression.
👉 Best picks: Unique custom edits from gymnastics music vendors (Floor Express, Jumptwist, Salute Music Co.). Athletes often choose dramatic orchestral builds, edgy remixes, or cultural pieces that let them showcase artistry.
Floor Music Quick Guide (Levels 1–10)
| Level | Music Rules | Suggested Style |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | No music | Focus on basics |
| 4–5 | Compulsory, same music for all | Simple & upbeat |
| 6 | Optional, 1:00–1:30 | Fun, easy rhythm |
| 7–8 | Optional, 1:00–1:30 | Expressive, sassy, or playful |
| 9 | Optional, 1:00–1:30 | Dramatic, layered, artistic |
| 10 | Optional, 1:00–1:30 | Polished, bold, professional |
Floor Music Rules to Remember
- Length: 1:00–1:30 minutes for all optional routines.
- Vocals:
- Allowed in NCAA.
- In USAG/FIG competitions, recognizable lyrics = 1.0 deduction.
- Starting August 1, 2026, FIG will ban any voice sounds (lyrics, hums, chants, or synthetic).
- Licensing: Always use cleared music from vendors or custom editors. Using copyrighted tracks without a license can disqualify your routine.
- Fit matters: Music should match the gymnast’s style, maturity, and skill level. A shy 11-year-old might struggle with a sultry piece, while a playful track wouldn’t suit a powerful, dramatic performer at Level 10.
How to Choose the Right Floor Music
- Match the gymnast’s personality. Outgoing? Go sassy and bold. Graceful? Choose elegant strings or piano.
- Think about the choreography. Does the music have clear sections for tumbling, leaps, and artistry moments?
- Check the tempo. Most floor music is adjusted to ~120–130 BPM—fast enough to energize without rushing skills.
- Listen for variety. The best tracks have highs and lows that choreographers can use for contrast.
- Test it. Try moving to the music in practice before committing. The right track should feel natural and fun to perform.
Try to choose music that feels like you. When the rhythm fits your personality, skills, and style, your floor routine transforms from a checklist of skills into a performance the crowd, and the judges, will never forget.
