A Competition Disaster

So, it's been a while since I have posted. I apologize, but I have been busy with school starting back. In light of this past weekend, I thought it would be a good idea to make the next topic that I discuss being competitions.

Several graduate schools have sections in their applications about what sort of competitions you have been in and where you placed within them. While competitions are not necessarily a vital part of whether or not you will be successful in your career, they do certainly say a lot about who you are, and how you play. This past weekend I myself was a finalist in a competition that had competitors from all across the country. 15 minutes before I was scheduled to perform, I had a part of my flute literally snap off of my instrument and clatter onto the floor. After a moment of panic, I realized that I could reattach it with either super glue or a rubber band. I could only find a rubber band. So, even though the key wiggled a lot throughout my performance, and the accompanist sabotaged my performance as well, I still managed to win Second Prize. I can't say that I am disappointed. I am however displeased that the winner had cheated (she bribed the accompanist for an extra rehearsal, and consequently the pianist played perfectly for her whereas she made huge mistakes for the rest of the contestants). But the Board of Directors of the Competition are being notified, and I will see what happens...

So that's my story about this past weekend. But because of it, I learned a lot about competitions, and how to use them to your advantage. First of all, learn some basic repair skills about your instrument. You never know what will happen. Secondly, be friendly to everyone, and be openly gracious and courteous to your competitors. Everyone hates that person who doesn't speak to anyone, bribes judges/accompanists, and only stays around for their performance. It is incredibly rude to only show up in time for your performance, and to leave in the middle of another competition winner's performance. If you are warm and personable, competitions can be used to create valuable networking connections with other contestants, judges, area faculty, and regional professionals. And in contrast to that, if you come across as someone who is overly cut throat, you won't make connections that could eventually determine parts of your career.

Many people win jobs in the music business. Not everyone keeps jobs. It is one thing to be a good player, it is another to be a good person, and someone who contributes as a human being. Don't jeopardize your integrity for a cash prize. It can eventually come back to haunt you.

The next thing (Thirdly), is that you need to prepare your music thoroughly. If you aren't able to (or aren't allowed to) bring your own accompanist, this is especially important. You need to be familiar with the pianist's part, and the form and analysis of the music that you will perform. This helps enormously with the short rehearsal time you have. Organize your page turns ahead of time. PRACTICE WITH A METRONOME. Smart Music is also an incredibly helpful tool as well if you have access to it.

It is also helpful to arrive the day before the competition. If you are traveling a long distance, then you won't be dealing with fatigue, muscle cramps in your hands (if you drove), and the stress of dealing with navigating an unfamiliar area.

If you have trouble with Performance Anxiety, there are several books on the subject that are extremely helpful. "The Inner Game of Music" is one such book, and was extremely helpful to myself and several of my friends. Another option is the use of Beta Blockers. These are controversial among musicians because they prevent adrenaline from having an effect on your body. Some see them as performance enhancing drugs, similar to steroids and athletes. Others view them differently. This is a personal decision you must decide on your own.

Lastly, just have fun. If you are selected as a finalist into a competition, then you have already won. These are wonderful events that can fill out your resume, and give you a lot of life experiences in addition to valuable contacts for your future. Just don't sacrifice your studies of the standard literature in favor of competition repertoire.