Editor’s note: This is the second in a two-part series by Christopher Richardson, a veteran of more than 50 competitions (and winner in more than 40 of them), about the role of piano competitions from a young artist’s point of view.
For many pianists (all musicians for that matter, especially classical musicians), competitions are almost a way of life. The further you go in your career, becoming known as a concert pianist becomes exponentially harder, and it is difficult just to have one’s name heard, let alone remembered.
Why Piano Competitions Are Great
Whether they are small competitions, held regionally and sponsored by organizations such as the Music Teachers Association, or competitions of great stature, such as the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and the International Tchaikovsky Competition, competitions are a popular way to become known. They also test one’s skills. For pianists starting out, competitions bolster a resume for college applications. For pianists already graduated, competitions provide stature and elevate reputation.
Competitions engage experienced teachers and musicians as judges, sometimes including legendary members of the music community. These judges often give valuable feedback, and a student can sometimes form a relationship that helps build connections. Often, competitions provide media coverage and a good-sized audience, particularly in final rounds. The prizes can also be quite helpful, especially if performance opportunities are offered. One can also meet other young talents and have an excuse to travel to new locations.
For me, the two greatest things about competitions are the opportunities to meet world-class musicians and the possibility of building a welcoming audience in the areas I visit. Moreover, few things are more satisfying than performing at one’s best, and subsequently hearing an audience give the gifts of compliments and gratitude like it’s Christmas.
I love competing, from the exciting atmosphere to the quiet tension when waiting for the results.
The Downside of Piano Competitions
But while a multitude of motivations to compete exist, experiencing at least some unfortunate circumstances can rarely be avoided in competition, be it in athletics or cooking or music. The most prominent downside that comes to mind is unfair or biased judging.
Now, we’re all human, and bias can subtly influences decisions without conscious awareness. For instance, when a judge allows his or her students to enter the competition he or she is judging, I feel this is quite unfair.
I have come across this problem multiple times, and it discourages me before I perform. It’s also not fair to the judge’s students because even if the they are particularly talented, people will sometimes believe a judge’s student won because of the judge’s presence on the jury. This bias can also occur when a student has a relationship with one or more of the judges, but this situation is less avoidable (barring restricting pianists who know the judges, which would lead to a shortage of competitors).
Are Piano Competitions Worth It
For the developing pianist, competitions may be stressful, and at all levels there are problems such as bias. However, competitions are worth it. They are a great setting for developing as a musician and “putting your name out there.” Even if music is not the career goal, many benefits are gained through learning to compete, preparing for competition, performing in a competition, and eventually building your personal reputation in whatever area you pursue.
