Tips for succeeding in music competitions
Music competitions can be a great way to showcase your talent, learn from others, and get feedback from judges and peers. However, they can also be challenging and stressful, especially if you are not well prepared. Here are some tips on how to succeed in music competitions:
– **Research the competition.** Find out the rules, requirements, deadlines, and expectations of the competition you are entering. Choose a competition that suits your genre, level, and goals. Learn about the judges, the audience, and the prizes.
– **Choose your repertoire wisely.** Pick pieces that highlight your strengths, showcase your personality, and fit the theme and criteria of the competition. Avoid pieces that are too common, too difficult, or too obscure. Make sure you have enough time to practice and polish your pieces before the competition.
– **Practice, practice, practice.** Practice your pieces until you can play them confidently, accurately, and expressively. Practice with a metronome, a tuner, a recorder, and a mirror. Practice in front of different audiences, such as your friends, family, teacher, or peers. Practice in different settings, such as your home, studio, or stage. Practice under different conditions, such as with distractions, noise, or pressure. Practice your performance skills, such as your posture, eye contact, breathing, and stage presence.
– **Prepare for the competition day.** Plan ahead and pack everything you need, such as your music score, instrument, accessories, water, snacks, and extra clothes. Arrive early and check in with the organizers. Warm up properly and calmly. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, or drugs. Stay hydrated and eat well. Relax and focus on your music. Visualize yourself playing well and enjoying the experience.
– **Perform your best.** When it’s your turn to perform, take a deep breath and smile. Introduce yourself and your pieces briefly and politely. Play with confidence, passion, and emotion. Don’t let mistakes or nerves affect your performance. Keep going and finish strong. Thank the judges and the audience. Be proud of yourself and your achievement.
– **Learn from the feedback.** After the competition, listen to the comments and critiques from the judges and the audience. Be open-minded and respectful. Take note of the positive and negative aspects of your performance. Learn from your strengths and weaknesses. Celebrate your success and work on your improvement. Don’t compare yourself to others or be discouraged by the results. Remember that music competitions are not the only measure of your musical ability or potential.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 2/2/2024
(1) InterContinental Music Awards | The Ultimate Guide to Music Competitions. https://www.intercontinentalmusicawards.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-music-competitions-how-to-win-and-get-discovered/.
(2) How to Prepare for Music Competitions and Win – Lesson With You. https://lessonwithyou.com/music-competition-preparation-guide/.
(3) Here’s How to Win a Music Competition – SharePro Music Blog. https://www.sharetopros.com/blog/heres-how-to-win-a-music-competition.php.
Tips for succeeding in music competitions
