To Festival or Not to Festival

Throughout the year, there are a variety of Music Festivals or Auditions which are adjudicated events for music students. Students prepare one or more pieces and receive evaluations from a judge and usually earn ribbons or medals. These are good opportunities for motivated students.

But not every music student is an ideal candidate to participate in these events. Lessons can become draining for both student and teacher if they forge ahead to participate. Instead of inspiring the students, the student may become overly frustrated or just bored working on the same material week after week.

I want my students to look like this!

Not like this!

Before I suggest to a student that he/she participate in a Festival or Audition, I think through these factors.

Does the student regularly and willingly practice 4-5 days a week and can he/she practice 6-7 days a week as we get closer to the Audition? I will not even mention the idea of a Festival to a student who only practices 3 days (or less). Everyone is going to be unhappy if we start preparing with so little practice time.

Can the student work on a piece for a long time and pay close attention to details -- dynamics, balance, tempo, articulation and memorization? The Classical Style is a subtle one, and unless the family attends concerts, or has Classical music playing in the home, it is difficult for students to understand the nuances required to play well. Other styles, such as jazz has it's own particular parameters to master, such as a swing rhythm or bringing out the "bluesy" notes.

Does the student have access to an acoustic (not a keyboard) instrument? Students who play only on keyboards are at a disadvantage when they need to play an audition on a grand. The key rebound and tone are so different and can be disconcerting to the student. Finger strength is also an issue in playing only on keyboards.

Will the student still feel good after the audition whatever rating he/she receives? Judges are fallible, fickle people with their own preconceptions. Some overestimate what a 6 year old should be able to do. Some write very little on their evaluations. Others give you great feedback. Students need to be able to "shake it off" and "walk away" after playing an audition with their self-confidence intact, always taking pride in the fact that they worked hard and tried their best. Go over the evaluation and consider the feedback, but remember it is one person's opinion.

I want all my students to enjoy learning music. Those who can handle the extra effort to go to an adjudicated event should do so. Those who want to learn for personal enjoyment should also do so, learning good technique and style at a more relaxed pace.