Keynotes was an Australian musical game show that was brought in as a summer time replacement for $ale of the Century in 1992. It was hosted by Australian television personality Richard Wilkins, announced by Craig Huggins, and produced by Grundy Productions for the Nine Network Australia.

The premise of this game is simple - determine the name of the given songs by uncovering the notes and following the bouncing ball. Earn the most cash over the course of the show and earn the right to carry over for the next show.


Main Game
To start the game - there are three general rounds. A series of nine squares are presented - with each square hiding a note in a "familiar" tune. The host gives the contestants notes 1,5 and 9 in all 3 rounds - note 7 is also given in round 3 if time is running short. A member from each of the two competing teams contest each other at the central podium to determine the next word in a given tune. A card is randomly selected from the host which represents the note which is set to be revealed. Three words are provided which could represent the next word in a given tune. The contestant which is quickest to select the correct word after hearing this tune is given the note represented by that selected card. If neither contestant is able to select the correct word, the note goes in as a blank and two new players are brought up to play for two keynotes (and so on).


Notes on the main board

The team that the winning representative came from then has the opportunity to guess the main tune by listening to the already-revealed notes and following the rythm of the bouncing ball. If the team can correctly name that tune - they win the round and receive a cash prize. If not - the round continues - rotating through the various members of both team. If neither of the teams can work out the song before all nine notes are revealed - then the prize for that round is lost and the players go on to the next round.

The prizes for each round are as follows:

Round 1 - $300 
Round 2 - $600 
Round 3 - $1,200 
At the end of the third round - the team to have the highest cash total earns the right to be carry-over champs and also contest the bonus prize round. Runners up receive CDs as their consolation prize and do not keep any money earned from their losing episode.


Bonus Round
In the final round - the team attempt to win prizes worth double their cash winnings from the previous rounds. The team must attempt to uncover the nine notes of the final tune over the course of 30 seconds - using a buzzer to stop a random flashing light - however the final tune is only played once - at the end of the 30 seconds. If any of the questions representing the notes are not answered, uncovered, or answered correctly within the time limit - they will not be revealed in the playing of the final tune. If the team can correctly identify the final tune - they win the bonus prizes.

Teams can only contest a total of five nights - a win on the fifth night ensures each team member receives a holiday and two new teams contest the following show.