How to prepare for a competition: Valentino Worlitzsch, Pacem in Terris Competition

One of the main reasons why I go in for competitions is that I know the intense preparation will improve my playing, along with the need to perform under pressure. Since I started going in for them I think I’ve become much more self-confident and free as a musician.When I select the repertoire for the competition, I try to choose a wide-ranging and multifaceted programme of pieces where I feel I can show all my strengths as a player. It’s important to keep in mind what everybody else is likely to play, and consider whether it is better for me to avoid those works, or select them in order to compete with them.I make a plan in my mind for practising the different stages of the competition, and I try to arrange concerts to fit that plan.