just want to add that, even if you win them, composition contests are still generally a scam

The reason I say this is they (generally) don't create infrastructure for collaboration or repertoire building, which could actually impact a composer's career or the larger "scene". Instead, it's a one-off performance and a good recording in the portfolio.

I've been really lucky to win some of these things. In general it was a great experience that led to... not much else. I'd love to rethink the purpose of these calls as calls for collaborators, or some similar mentality shift.

Otherwise it feels like a lot of energy (and money!) moving around to not effect much change.