Why are PRIZES in piano competition so ridiculous low?

[classicarts]

Have you even wonder why the PRIZES in the piano competition so ridiculously low?  And so much time, money, and effort to pefect the talent?  Think about it, compared to other events like sports or even singing competiton is far better in prizes and rewards.  What's your view on this..

[hodi]

i think that too
$25,000?
first prize?
i think it should be at least $250,000 for first prize..

[dmk]

supply and demand...if sponsors can't get enough bang for their buck their not going to put big $$ up.

There is a huge demand out their for sponsorship $$ its difficult to catch a large enough share unless the sponsor reaches a wide enough and fit to purpose audience.

unfair maybe...but it is reality

dmk

[apion]

If we were to retrogressively apply a $25,000 grand prize to the year 1790 (Mozart's and Beethoven's time), accounting for inflation, etc., $25,000 would be pennies (sad, very sad).

[bernhard]

Ye, but pennies then were worth a small fortune: you probalby could buy a house.

[gorbee natcase]

Those tight stingy arristocrats

[Bouter Boogie]

Have you even wonder why the PRIZES in the piano competition so ridiculously low?  And so much time, money, and effort to pefect the talent?  Think about it, compared to other events like sports or even singing competiton is far better in prizes and rewards.  What's your view on this..

Probably to attract a lot of musicians? I'm not sure, though.

- BB

[pianohopper]

It is true that athletes get paid so much more than pianists in competitions. 

However, you have to take into account just exactly what winning a competition can do for you.  I do not know which comeptition you are referring to.  For example, though, the first prize in the Van Cliburn competition is $20,000 cash.  But you also get national and international tours for three years, a recording contract, "performance attire," and airfare. 

The prestige alone is enough to compete for.  After you have won the Van Cliburn, or any other competition (I could only find first prize for the VC) such as the Chopin or Tchaikovsky, you're set for life.  People will be lining up to get you to perform for them.  And say a mainstream pianist can get $50000 to $60000 dollars a concert for big ones (just a ballpark estimate, I'm not sure exactly).  It's a great way to get your foot in the door. 

So yes, it's not such a staggering sum of money.  But anybody who decides to be a pianist for the money is disillusioned and in it for the wrong reason.