Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.59014/XYFG5224
Choral competitions as a stimulus for artistic development of ensembles
Antoaneta Radočaj-Jerković
orcid.org/0000-0002-0980-1408
Nina Pocrnić
Lucija Uglik
Abstract
Choral competitions represent an important step in the developmentand affirmation of a choir as an artistic ensemble. Today, such competitions arenumerous and highly popular among conductors and singers, differing in theirgeneral aims, target choir groups, and the artistic level of participants. Traditionalviews that regard choral competitions as an indispensable and highlypositive component of every choir’s activity are now being critically re-examinedin relation to the balance between effort invested and results achieved, aswell as the fact that encouraging competitive behaviour among singers is notfully aligned with fundamental pedagogical principles and the general objectivesof contemporary music education.The aim of this paper is to highlight the positive and negative general aspectsof choral competitions, with particular emphasis on the role of the conductor,which, according to the authors, represents one of the fundamental factorsof success. The research section of the paper presents an independent studentconducting project, “Competition of Vocal Ensembles within the Glaz-B-OsFestival.” The study examines the attitudes and experiences of young ensembleleaders who, for the first time and in controlled conditions, encounter thechallenges of leading and performing at a student choral competition as part ofthe project assignment in the Choir and Conducting course at the Academy ofArts and Culture in Osijek. The aim of the research was to explore perceptionsof the challenges involved in preparing and leading an ensemble in a competitivecontext, with additional emphasis on evaluating the pedagogical, artistic,and professional significance of participating in the Glaz-B-Os competition.A qualitative approach was used, and data were collected through a semi-structuredinterview involving 11 student leaders of competing ensembles. Thematicanalysis identified several key categories encompassing organisational, pedagogical,emotional, and artistic aspects of the leadership role. The results showthat the greatest challenges are related to the organisation of ensemble work,schedule coordination, maintaining motivation, and establishing authoritywithin the group. When selecting repertoire, students sought to balance technicalfeasibility with artistic value, while the preparation timeframe was generallyconsidered insufficient.Most participants perceived the competition as an important stimulus for theirprofessional development, particularly in the areas of conducting practice,
communication, and group leadership. Positive aspects were also identifiedin interpersonal relations, performance experiences, and personal reflection,accompanied by a strong awareness of the importance of process-orientedlearning. Negative elements include organisational burdens, time constraints,and occasional competitive pressure. Nevertheless, there is a predominantlypositive attitude toward the competition as a pedagogically valuable experiencethat fosters professional maturation and the development of leadershipcompetencies.In conclusion, the findings indicate that the Glaz-B-Os student competitionrepresents a significant form of experiential learning that supports the developmentof musical, pedagogical, and organisational skills in future ensembleleaders. At the same time, the identified challenges point to the need forfurther improvement of the organisational framework and student support toensure the optimal educational potential of the competition.
Keywords
choir; choral competitions; choral pedagogy; conductor; ; independent student project
Hrčak ID:
341134
URI
Publication date:
15.12.2025.
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