Most pupils are used to entering exams, doing their GCSEs or A Levels, and playing in an orchestra or band, but I wonder how many enter and take part in music festivals and competitions? Well I know from experience that the majority of young musicians have never entered any. This is such a shame and something which I feel needs to change. I have found that there are several reasons as to why this is so. In this article I hope to highlight these reasons, discuss them and hopefully solve any problems.
Firstly; lack of awareness. Having spoken to several of my colleagues, they all agree that festivals and competitions are a great idea, and some have taken part in them as a child. However, most of us move away from the area we grew up in and live somewhere where we are not as integrated into the musical world. Yes, we might be a part of orchestras, chamber groups and music centres, but not the smaller and local musical communities that formed a large part of our younger musical education. As a child, I personally took part in festivals, competitions and local music societies, mostly due to my teachers’ and mentors encouragement. I think that as a tutor it is important to think back to the musical experiences you had and use that in your teaching now. Speak to your colleagues and find out what they know about local musical events, or search yourself and spread the word. In a city as big as London, it is important to help and support each other. If you are a student or parent reading this, why not research these things yourself. This is such an easy thing to do now with the internet and it’s powerful search engines. Take what you have discovered to your teacher and I am sure they will happily support and encourage you.
The second reason I believe that pupil’s do not enter festivals and competitions is fear. If you enter exams, although stressful and scary at times you are playing to one, maybe two people and there is no direct competition. You can keep your feed back and comments to yourself if you wish. This is not the case with festivals. Yes, you will be playing to an audience and a judging panel, who will, in front of everybody, comment on your playing. This is a daunting prospect, but let us look at it in a different light. You will gain experience playing to an audience, something which every aspiring musician needs. You will also be able to listen to your contemporaries, be inspired and hear music that you would like to add to your repertoire. Another positive from entering festivals is that you are privileged to receive comments and advice from experts in your field. This is a unique opportunity and something which every musician should crave.
“I’m not good enough to enter a festival or competition. Only really amazing players can enter those.” This is a statement I have heard several times from certain pupils. This is a very common thought and one which is completely wrong! Festivals cater for every standard and age group. If entering a class, the people who are in it too will be of a very similar standard. There will undoubtably be players who are of a higher and of a lower standard there on the day. You can learn from both. The festival experience is a great way to make new friends with similar interests and who knows, maybe you will enter as group next year! Every pupil I have entered into festival or competition, whether they have won or not, has loved the experience and begged to do it again the next year.
A few words of advice on entering, if you decide to. The most important of all - pick a piece or program that you are comfortable playing. By all means challenge yourself, but especially if it is your first time, play something that you enjoy. Secondly, when choosing a class to enter, make sure it is the right standard for you and check the small print! Make sure that you know exactly the requirements for each class. Last but not least, be prepared. Have a copy of your music to give to the adjudicators - include your name, class No. and instrument. ( This makes things a lot easier for the adjudicators!).
I hope that after reading this some of you will encourage your pupils to enter festivals or indeed you will enter yourself. There is a lot to be learnt and value to be taken from doing so and our young musicians will benefit greatly from it.
