The aim of this master’s thesis was to provide a holistic presentation of the process of preparing a violinist for top-level international competitions, with a focus on the artistic, technical, psychological, and physical aspects of preparation. In contemporary classical music practice, competitions are regarded as an important part of professional development, as they often serve not only as a form of artistic evaluation but also as an entry point into an international career.
The theoretical part of the thesis includes a review of both domestic and international scholarly literature in the fields of musical expertise, performance psychology, the physical demands of musicians, and career development in classical music. Special attention is given to the analysis of competition systems and their artistic and professional requirements. In addition to the literature review, the author’s personal experiences gained through participation in music competitions, masterclasses, and concert performances were included, providing further interpretative depth to the topic.
The findings show that successful preparation for high-level competitions is not based solely on technical reliability, but rather on a complex interplay of several factors: long-term planned and structured practice, physical conditioning, psychological stability, carefully developed interpretative concepts, and the ability to cope with competitive pressure. Mentorship, masterclass experiences, and the gradual development of an individual artistic identity also play an important role. Competitions thus prove to be intensive developmental processes that can significantly influence both the artistic and professional trajectory of an individual, while not replacing long-term artistic growth.
This thesis may contribute to a better understanding of the holistic preparation of violinists for high-level performance and serve as a supportive framework for future young musicians, educators, and performers facing the challenges of the international competitive environment.
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