Written by Claire Oplinger, Class of 2023
The pursuit of a career in music is a journey of boundless joy and endless learning. But an overly competitive mindset can quickly turn rewarding experiences into unfulfilling ones. As musicians, it is no secret that the fleeting, golden moments of successful performance come with the cost of hard work. We are invested deeply in our craft and spend countless hours refining our skills. This dedication can be a double-edged sword when we are competing with others who are equally as dedicated.
As developing musicians, it is essential to learn how to deal with competition in a healthy way that promotes growth and fosters positive relationships with colleagues. In an industry that relies so heavily on networking and word-of-mouth for job opportunities, career prospects can depend on maintaining these relationships. But the root from which these interactions grow is our mindset- specifically how we perceive ourselves in relation to others.
High-pressure events like auditions and performances require us to be very attuned to our thoughts, feelings, and mindsets. For some, it is not the high-stakes act of auditioning that induces nerves and cripples performance, but the thought of competing with others. This is a very individual journey- some people are not competitive by nature and are not bothered by any external or internal comparison. For others, comparing oneself to others can have devastating effects. Being honest with yourself and your unique disposition (in an accepting and non-judgemental way) is the first step in improving your mental game.
Shifting Mindsets
The antidote for unhealthy levels of competition and comparison is a combination of acceptance and refocusing. One shift in mindset that could be helpful is changing the wording from competition to collaboration. In this way, you can look to others for inspiration and motivation- to collaborate rather than compete. By finding what is beautiful or desirable about someone else’s performance, you can incorporate that into your own performance. We can always learn from our peers, and being around other musicians can help us improve. This will also help you support your colleagues by noticing and acknowledging their strengths.
An equally important part of this is acknowledging your own strengths. A common reason that competition can be distressing is the fact that you are not secure with your own abilities. In a field built on the idea of sharing wonderful experiences with others, you have to acknowledge that you do indeed have something very special to give. Adopting a healthier mindset toward competition may have to start with giving yourself credit for your own hard work, dedication, strengths, creativity, and uniqueness. It is only from this place of abundance that we truly can share these gifts with others.
Helpful Strategies
While shifting mindsets is a gradual and all-encompassing process, below are a few short-term strategies for times when you feel overwhelmed or stressed before an important performance or audition.
Breathing and centering exercises
Revisiting recordings of old performances to appreciate growth
Utilize self recording as a way to channel competition (competing with past self)
Focusing on the process rather than outcomes
Using positive phrases and self-talk
Concluding Remarks
In the end, you are the only person in control of your own performance. The unfortunate truth for the majority of musicians is that there will always be someone better. But that does not diminish the beautiful artistry of your performance, or that of others. Reducing yourself or others to a measuring bar or a number completely disregards the fact that each individual musician has a unique and meaningful voice. While not every person will win the same job or have the exact same opportunities, there is always space in the world for anyone who wants to embark on the journey of making music.
Comments