Continue the debate., visit the Forum at www.gramophone.co.uk In the October edition we looked at the merits and faults of competitions - do they give vital exposure to young artists? Or do they stifle artistic growth? Here are some of your comments. Tom Competitions are good. When artists compete they shake off the humdrum complacency of making music on a daily basis and, in playing to win, they play their best, giving their all. I cannot conceive how competitions might "stifle artistic growth"; what evidence exists for such a leftist and politically correct assertion that equates identifying the best with hurting the feelings of the mediocre?

MyronC Competition does not stifle artistic growth. Any student can be assessed through the grades system, which for the most talented will lead to concert performance and competition. Yet artistic growth does not happen only in the public arena; musicians who have not done particularly well in competition can forge successful careers. Then, are all competition winners guaranteed success and artistic maturity? Competitions are important, but not the only avenue that young musicians should consider. Perhaps pop music has the answer: vital exposure by self-promotion on the internet with audio and video streaming.

Hal I'd like to think competitions are useful, offering, as you say, vital exposure. They might also provide some real-world experience for anyone interested in performing professionally.