Competitions: For Artists or Horses?

Béla Bartók, renowned composer and musicologist, once famously said, “Competitions are for horses, not artists.” In his view, music competitions were inherently flawed because they attempt to judge something as subjective as artistry—something that can't truly be measured or ranked.

As a student, when I competed and didn’t place, it was easy to see his point. It can be frustrating when the playing field isn’t level—for example, when flutists are expected to compete against pianists, who often begin their training much earlier than most wind players. Still, nothing quite compares to the feeling of winning a competition—and knowing that your success was backed by months of hard work. That kind of reward is deeply gratifying.

As a teacher, I do believe competitions have their place. They give you a goal to work toward, push you to challenge yourself, and often leave you feeling motivated and inspired after hearing others at your level...or even beyond it. That said, the key to preparing for a competition is managing your expectations. Start by being honest with yourself about your current level. Choose a piece that challenges you but is still within your technical and musical reach. This doesn’t mean picking the flashiest or most difficult piece you can find; judges are far more impressed by a beautifully played simple piece than a messy performance of a virtuosic showpiece.

It’s also helpful to define what success means to you before you even step on stage. Is your goal to win? To gain performance experience? To push yourself outside your comfort zone? To receive feedback? All of these are valid goals. The more clarity you have going in, the less likely you are to be discouraged if the outcome isn’t what you hoped for.

Finally, keep in mind that competitions are just one moment in time. They don’t define your worth as a musician. Every great performer has had losses, off days, and tough feedback. It’s how you respond to those moments that matters most.

So, are competitions useful? My answer is: for some students, they can be. Not everyone thrives in a competitive setting. But for those of you who are ready to push yourselves and work hard, you might just find your place in the Winners’ Circle.