For a serious instrumental music student, making progress means maintaining training momentum. Competitions provide that and so much more!
In the 20th century, winning a major classical music competition was a career-launcher. Van Cliburn was catapulted to international stardom after winning the Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in 1958 at age 23. So, too, was Martha Argerich at age 24 after winning the Chopin International Piano Competition in 1965.
Today, competitions abound for younger students and are less about getting a career established and much more about growing as a musician and performer – though they are certainly beneficial in burnishing a resume along with a skill set.
The Philadelphia International Music Festival hosts in-person concerto competitions at its summer festivals in Philadelphia, but also includes year-round virtual competitions to widen its scope to a global pool of less-traveled young talent, from Houston to Hungary. Musicians ages 6-19 could jump in right now, for reasons that are both practical and profound.
Reason #1: Prizes
It’s not a recording contract, it’s a SCHOLARSHIP. The Philadelphia International Music Festival (PIMF) hands out at least $20,000 worth of them among Grand Prize and Division winners.
Reason #2: Unique performance and networking opportunities
Winners of the PIMF Virtual Concerto Competition are invited to take part in the Winners Circle Concert with several members of The Philadelphia Orchestra, a VIP event that’s live-streamed across the globe! For Grand Prize Winners of PIMF’s in-person summer competitions in Philadelphia, we arrange exciting performance opportunities around the country. PIMF competition winner, Ella Xu, for example, will be performing in Denton, Texas, with the U.S. Army Field Band, the premier touring musical representative for the United States Army. Competition winner Jaden Rudnicki will be a featured soloist in November with the New York Session Symphony in Manhattan. Elli Choi, who recently placed ……will be representing PIMF in a performance in New York City in May. Just to name a few. Which leads us to…
Reason #3: Media attention
Winning could get you recognition in the classical music world. Want to be able to Google yourself and see exciting coverage and results? Would you like to expand your presence online for college admissions officers? PIMF has garnered local press coverage for a host of students through its prestigious events.
Reason #4: Beef up music school applications
If you’re hoping to major in music at college, university or conservatory, the admissions committee will be looking at your musical resume beyond your study and ensemble work. Getting polished at recording and submitting virtual performances will be a huge help during submission season.
Reason #5: Skip the PIMF audition with your competition video
Thinking about studying at PIMF in-person next summer? Your Virtual Concerto Competition video can double as your camp audition. Simply click “yes” where indicated on your concerto competition entry form.
Reason #6: Focus and goal-setting
Talk to your teacher about entering a competition. Set a goal, and go for it! And no matter how much you enjoy the experience of school ensembles or youth orchestras, testing your solo chops is a valuable checkpoint for an artist and can breathe new energy into your overall musical process. Not to mention, for those early nerve-rattling forays into the competition zone, presenting yourself on video the first time out might be an easier introduction to the challenge than facing down a panel of judges in person.
Reason #7: Character-building (we hate it AND we love it)
The competition journey for a young musician, even from behind a computer screen, requires grit and dedication and can teach you to accept rejection, to learn from setbacks, and to push through self-doubt. Competitions help you grow confidence even as you grow a thicker skin, a must-have in ANY career.
Details on PIMF’s Fall 2024 Virtual Concerto Competition are available here. Submission Deadline: December 31, 2024.
