Do you think that regular competitions should be included in music study? I have mostly stuck to the exams, and personally, I have never found much time to thoroughly prepare a song for a competition, especially now that I am doing Grade 8, and the sight reading, aural, and exam pieces have become more demanding.

I have done two piano auditions, although they were both non-competitive, and simply a critique.

Does taking part in piano competitions help a pianist grow? Or generally, for any instrument at all? Is it a good idea to participate in exams and competitions simultaneously?

Speaking from a parents point of view.

My daughter has taken part in local music festivals and our county competition now for the past 4 years and it has really helped her.
a) to learn how to perform in front of any audience (helps with having the examiner as an audience)
helps with nerves
c) Great practice, especially when she plays pieces she has prepared for ABRSM exams, as you usually get a feedback sheet with both positive comments and areas for improvement, regardless of how good or bad the performance was. Use it as a mock exam.
Particularly in the case of music festivals, the first time you meet the official accompanist is when you playyour piece. This is also a great experience, especially for counting!!
it would also depend on the child. Someone who is painfully shy could be put off for life, expecially if they went to pieces. But if they are reasonably confident, I think, in my daghters case anyhow, it has really enhanced her playing, especially seeing other players perform, to pick up tips etc.

i just dont like the name 'competition'. i know the music industry is very competitive, but personal music for pleasure doesnt need to be. festivals are great when theres no winning, losing, or 'im better than you-ing'..they can provide, as you said, really helpful feedback. exams can be useful because they provide goals, a standard to get to, festivals are useful in preparing for performance, but purely competitions..what good can that do apart from make the musician feel less adequate comparing themselves to others.

It depends on whether you enjoy competitions.

If you like them, take part.

If not, then steer clear of them.

Steve

I totally agree.

My girl doesn't like exams but she loves performing. So she chooses to do festivals instead of exams/grades. It gives her total freedom in terms of repertoire (any piece at all so long as it's within 3 minutes), pace (any number of piece/s or category/ies depending on how fast/slow one learns) and the audience that she likes rather than the serious-looking examiner.

Music shouldn't be a competition though but try telling that to kids and maybe, teenagers like you, too - it doesn't register, not quite yet. We now tell her that it's her concert - play your heart out! - and if you win? It's an added bonus but the practical value lies more in the adjudicator's (usually detailed) comments and recommendations. Yes, you can grow as a musician if the adjudicator is a good one, musically and technically.

It's also good for dealing with nerves.

Finally, there is a guarantee of no technical failure as in an exam - for a child and a rather nervous/shy adult learner, this may be a big deal in terms of his/her confidence and the positive and encouraging remarks the adjudicator feels bound to give however the performance went!

Doing exams and festival competitions simultaneously? I would agree with MAMD above that it's more like a mock exam - very handy!

Tess

I do 2 big ones per year, and enter about 4 classes in each. This year I won all my classes I think they're a great idea because they mean you're not just competing against yourself, instead it's more realistic. Exams aren't very realistic at all, it's just you in a room with 1 person listening. Competitions are a great way to practice performing with an audience and under pressure. Also the silverware is nice.
Most importantly, I've made some important connections with both adjudicators and fellow competitiors from the local area, which resulted in invitations to join orchestras, masterclasses etc. I also started playing duets and sonatas with a friend, who at the time I didn't know, and now we play together all the time, not just for competitions