How to prepare for a competition: Sam Suggs, ISB Double Bass Performance Competition

The following is an extract from ‘Strategies for Success’, The Strad’s article on preparing for competitions, published in the September 2015 issue

To a certain extent what determines success at a competition is the psychology of knowing what is and isn’t within your control. I had entered ISB competitions twice before: the junior division in 2009; and the senior division in 2013, when I had my tape rejected. I happened to have a tape prepared for another competition this year, so I sent it in haphazardly and forgot all about it. When I heard I’d made it past the preliminary round I suddenly had to prepare. I researched the jury and I decided to focus on bold repertoire choices, making sure each piece made a succinct statement about who I am as a musician and also appealed to a progressive audience.