The Benefits of Music Performance Competitions for Flute Players
Competitions in the world of music often spark a variety of reactions. Some flute players see them as a chance to showcase their talent, while others may view them as a source of stress. However, music performance competitions offer many opportunities which can significantly benefit a musician's growth, both personally and professionally. For flute players, participating in these competitions can be a transformative experience that enhances their skills, broadens their repertoire, and shapes their musical journey.
Motivation to Excel
One of the most significant benefits of participating in music performance competitions is the motivation it provides. The structure of a competition often pushes musicians to set specific goals and deadlines, which can be a powerful driving force. Younger students, in particular, may find that the anticipation of performing in front of judges and an audience encourages them to practice more frequently and focus on improving their technical proficiency. A comment I read on social media from a flute teacher highlighted this saying, “I absolutely LOVE helping my students prepare for large-scaled competitions/auditions … It is SO fun and rewarding to see how much students grow in such a short amount of time when preparing for these types of events.”
Critical Feedback from Experts
Another invaluable aspect of music performance competitions is the opportunity to receive feedback from experienced judges. These individuals are often seasoned professionals who can provide insights that may not be readily available in a lesson setting. This feedback can be particularly beneficial for players as it offers an external perspective on their playing.
Judges' critiques can highlight areas that need improvement, such as tone quality, intonation, or phrasing, and provide specific advice on how to enhance these aspects. This constructive criticism is a vital part of the learning process, helping flute players to identify and address their weaknesses, in addition to polishing their strengths. Over time, this feedback can lead to significant improvements in their overall performance.
Exposure to New Repertoire 
Competitions often require participants to perform a set piece or pieces from a prescribed repertoire list. This can introduce flute players to compositions they may not have encountered otherwise. Exposure to new music is an essential part of a musician's development, as it challenges them to adapt to different styles and interpret new works.
In the international flute championship I run each year, the repertoire includes over 90 pieces recently commissioned from contemporary composers. Not only does this introduce players to the wonderfully rich repertoire of modern flute music in different styles, but it also gives the composers’ music an opportunity to be heard by new audiences.
By engaging with a variety of pieces, flute players can expand their musical horizons and deepen their appreciation for different composers and genres. This exposure also encourages creativity, as musicians can interpret the music in their own unique way, bringing their personal insights to the performance.
Building Resilience and Confidence
Participating in competitions can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially for young or inexperienced flute players. However, facing these challenges head-on can be incredibly beneficial for building resilience and confidence. The process of preparing for a competition, performing under pressure, and handling the results—whether positive or negative—teaches valuable life skills.
Over time, as flute players participate in more competitions, they become more comfortable with the pressure and learn how to better manage performance anxiety. This resilience is not only crucial for future performances but also for other areas of life, where handling stress and pressure is essential.
If the experience of performing in front of an audience is too daunting, there are now many opportunities to participate in online video competitions. Virtual competitions can also be a good choice for those who would like to benefit from playing for judges in other countries, but who may not be able to travel to live competitions around the world. In my international flute competition, I am always delighted to see video entries from all corners of the world, including students whose countries are suffering conflict, knowing this gives them a performance opportunity they would not have otherwise.
Community Building
Music performance competitions often bring together musicians from different backgrounds, regions, and levels of experience. This creates a unique opportunity for flute players to connect with others who share their passion for music. The relationships formed through these events can be very valuable, both personally and professionally.
Networking with fellow musicians, teachers, and judges can open doors to new opportunities, such as invitations to perform in ensembles, masterclasses, or other competitions. Additionally, these connections can lead to lifelong friendships and collaborations, enriching a musician's career and personal life.
Opportunities and Impacts
Many music performance competitions offer prizes beyond trophies or certificates. Scholarships, cash awards, and opportunities for professional advancement are often part of the rewards for top performers. Winning or placing in a prestigious competition can significantly boost a flutist’s career prospects.
The international flute competition I organize each year has had impacts beyond my expectations. Not only have some entrants been offered masterclasses with top level flutists, but one participant found the new repertoire she played for the competition inspired her to compose, “Playing the works by contemporary female composers has opened my eyes to the fact that together we can close the gender data gap and the glass ceiling as women in composition. You have inspired me to compose too, and I could not thank you enough!” (Caroline Gordon, USA). Another unexpected bonus came after world renowned composer and flutist Gary Schocker saw a video of 13-year-old Jack De Ravin (Australia) playing one of his recent works “Shima Enaga”; Schocker was so delighted he then wrote a piece especially for Jack!
Personal Growth and Fulfillment
Beyond the tangible rewards, music performance competitions offer immense personal growth and fulfillment. The process of setting a goal, working towards it, and then putting oneself out there for judgment is a powerful experience. This experience is about more than just winning—it's about pushing personal boundaries, discovering inner strengths, and developing a deeper connection with their instrument and music.
Competitions can sometimes foster a culture of comparison, where the emphasis shifts from the joy of making music to the pursuit of victory. This can lead to unhealthy competition and detract from the true purpose of musical growth. I always remind my students to focus on the journey—the preparation and performance—rather than fixating on the outcome. Achieving a prize is a wonderful recognition, but the real value lies in performing to the best of one's ability on the day of the competition. By concentrating on personal excellence and musical expression, flute players can gain the most meaningful rewards from their competitive experiences, regardless of the final result.
Competitions teach important life lessons, such as perseverance, humility, and the importance of hard work. The experience of competing—whether one wins or not—can lead to a profound sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, knowing that one has given their best effort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, music performance competitions offer a wealth of benefits for flute players. From providing motivation and critical feedback to building confidence and fostering community, these events play a crucial role in a musician's development. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring young flutist, participating in competitions can be a transformative experience that shapes your musical journey in profound and lasting ways.
The 2024 Lyrical Flute International Championship is now open (free entry by video, all ages, all countries).
KAREN NORTH M. Mus., B.A. (Hons.), Dip. Ed. (Music) is a music teacher, mentor and book author based in Australia. She is passionate about bringing music into the lives of children and adults and has enjoyed working in music education for the past 40 years. Karen is the author of The Young Flute Player series and has commissioned works from many composers for her new repertoire books Lyrical Flute Encores, Lyrical Flute Legends, Lyrical Flute Miniatures and Inspiring Flute Solos.