How much does one need to know before one is ready for a career?

[thompson_321]

Studying for years, competitions, etc. I've only been at a conservatoire for a year, and already the idea of having to enter competition after competition is entering my head. Is all this necessary? Or can I just study for a few more years and be what I would rather be, which is an artist, not a competition winner?

[jimbo320]

Think of the competitions as feathers in your cap. Do what you want and not what you don't. But everyone knows that.
The only one who knows you're ready for sure is you. Competitors are artists too. Otherwise they wouldn't be able to compete.....

[pianist1976]

Hi, Thompson! I got a bit confused because I read "ready for a career" in the subject and in the body of your message you talk only about competitions. Both concepts are not necessarily related.

Piano competitions are a very strange thing. Nobody can predict if you will win one or not, doing it depends on a lot of factors, most of them you cannot control (we could open a new topic and discuss about these). A competition can help to build a career (here is where the subject of the topic comes) but you can also build a career without them.

Do some competitions if you wish. Trying will not hurt you. But only if you are mentally strong and you are prepared to cope with frustration if you get eliminated and you assimilate that wining or not doesn't make you a better or worse artist. This is also valid for the winners too, if you win something, you must keep your feet on the ground.

But why read all my reply when someone as great as Barṭk told about this far better than I could never speak:  

"Competitions are for horses, not artists" - Bela Barṭk

[jimbo320]

As Bela Bartok would say, "Spoken like a true artist"!

[becky8898]

Hi thompson. This whole subject is a pet peeve of mine, because I think most artists have there head up there ___? I never say this right so forgive me if it comes out all screwy.  My great grandfather was a wonderful pianist.  Studied with Artur Schnabel in Berlin.  He told my Grandmother that everyone had great talent, great technique, great artistry and that  all that talent and a dime would get you a bus ride .  What he meant was stage presence, that is what made a great concert pianist.  No one ever agrees on who the best pianists are, but it isnt hard to figure out who draws the biggest most enthusiastic crowds.  What im getting out is competitions might help you develop your stage presence. Help you learn how to excite an audience.  Anyway as usual I am at a loss for words to say this right.  I hope you get my meaning. 

Cheers, Becky

[jimbo320]

Good suggestion Becky. A good stage presence to convey self-confidence is very important. And you are very right about everyone having a talent. It's the time being convinced we don't is the true hurdle... 

[gsmonks]

There, they're, their, Becky.