Advantages and Disadvantages in Piano Competition

[faa2010]

I cannot totally say that Piano Competitions are either good or bad.  But at least we can make a list of advantages and disadvantages of them, give reasons both good and bad ones of entering to them.

Advantages:
Boosts self steem
Encourages you to improve

Disadvantages:
Lows self steem
There are strict rules in order to continue until the last stage

Can you give anothers of them?

[Bob]

I've heard pianists were better about always taking something away from a competition, learning something.  I've seen it in other instruments though too, and it's  good philosophy.  You can "lose" that way.  You always gain something.  As long as you're looking for it.

Disadvantage -- Big one -- Focusing on less repertoire.  Instead of learning more music, you end up polishing a few pieces a lot and keep them ready to go.  I've heard teachers complain about that and even not want their students to do a lot of competition.