Music Competitions: Are They Worth It?
Weighing the Pros and Cons for Young Musicians
Music competitions have been a part of the classical and contemporary music world for decades — from local talent shows to international stages like the Chopin or Menuhin competitions. For many young musicians (and their parents), the idea of competing can spark excitement, motivation, and nerves all at once. But are music competitions truly beneficial, or can they do more harm than good?
Let’s take a look at both sides to help you decide if competitions are a good fit for your child or student.
🎵 The Pros of Music Competitions
1. Goal-Setting and Motivation
Competitions give students a clear goal to work toward. With a deadline and performance opportunity on the calendar, many young musicians become more focused, driven, and committed to regular practice.
"Having something to prepare for helps give structure and purpose to my child's practice time." — A parent of a 10-year-old pianist
2. Performance Experience
Competitions provide valuable opportunities to perform under pressure. The more often a child performs, the more confident and resilient they become — important traits not just in music, but in life.
3. Feedback and Growth
Some competitions offer constructive feedback from experienced adjudicators, which can highlight both strengths and areas for improvement. This outside perspective can reinforce what a teacher is already saying — or introduce new insights.
4. Exposure and Recognition
Winning (or even just participating in) a competition can lead to scholarship opportunities, invitations to perform, and increased visibility in a student’s musical community. For advanced students, competitions can open doors to conservatories and professional careers.
5. Learning from Peers
Watching other competitors perform is inspiring. Students are exposed to different styles, techniques, and repertoire. They learn not just what excellence looks like — but how others approach music emotionally and technically.
🎵 The Cons of Music Competitions
1. Stress and Anxiety
For some students, competition creates unhealthy pressure. The desire to win — or fear of failure — can lead to anxiety, perfectionism, and burnout, especially if the emphasis shifts from musical expression to "beating others."
"My child started dreading piano lessons after her first competition — she felt she wasn’t good enough." — A concerned parent
2. Narrow Focus on Winning
Competitions can unintentionally shift a student’s focus from loving music to chasing trophies. This can discourage risk-taking, creativity, and personal interpretation in favor of playing it safe for the judges.
3. Unequal Playing Fields
Not all competitions are created equal — some are highly subjective, and outcomes can be influenced by age, experience, or even bias. Students with access to higher-quality instruments, more resources, or elite teachers may have an advantage.
4. Short-Term Thinking
Competitions often reward technical brilliance over musical maturity. A child who plays fast and accurately might win today — but long-term artistry takes more than a polished competition piece.
5. Emotional Impact
Repeatedly not placing, especially when a child has worked hard, can be disheartening. Some students may internalize losses as personal failures, which can hurt their confidence and enthusiasm for music.
So… Should My Child Compete?
It depends. Competitions can be healthy and inspiring if approached with the right mindset — and harmful if the experience becomes high-pressure or ego-driven.
Here are a few tips for navigating the competition world wisely:
Focus on progress, not prizes. Encourage your child to measure success by effort and growth, not by rankings.
Choose competitions carefully. Look for age-appropriate, supportive events that emphasize feedback and education.
Talk about emotional resilience. Help your child understand that not winning doesn't mean failure — it's part of learning.
Balance competition with joy. Make sure there's still plenty of time for musical exploration, fun, and creativity.
🎶 Final Thought
Music, at its heart, is not a sport — it’s a form of expression, connection, and beauty. Competitions can be a valuable part of a young musician’s journey, but they should never define their self-worth or their relationship with music.
If your child is excited about competing, support them wholeheartedly — but keep the bigger picture in mind: a lifelong love of music, not just a shelf full of medals.
