Annual Sphinx Competition College Scholarship 2026 – National String Competition

Competition & Scholarship Description

The Sphinx Competition is a national competition for string musicians (violin, viola, cello, and double bass) that transforms lives by celebrating artistic talent, providing career advancement opportunities, and addressing systemic obstacles within Black and Latino communities. The 30th Annual Sphinx Competition will take place from January 20-23, 2027 at the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center in Detroit, Michigan.

Finalists in both divisions have the opportunity to perform with the professional Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, comprised of top professionals from around the country, and compete for a total of over $100,000 in prizes, including the top $50,000 Robert Frederick Smith Prize. All semi-finalists and finalists have access to scholarships and fine instruments through the Sphinx Music Assistance Fund.

Competition Location

The Sphinx Competition is held annually at the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center in Detroit, Michigan. The competition includes live rounds, masterclasses, luncheons, panel discussions, and networking events.

Application Deadline

The application for the 2027 Competition will open in the spring of 2026. The deadline to submit applications is October 20, 2026. No late applications will be accepted past the deadline.

Host Institution / Organizer

The Sphinx Organization is a national nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts. The organization addresses systemic obstacles within Black and Latino communities by providing career advancement opportunities, scholarships, and performance platforms for young musicians.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Pre-College (Junior Division) and College/Post-College (Senior Division).

Instrument Categories: Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass.

Divisions:

• Junior Division: Ages 17 and under (must not have reached 18th birthday by February 1, 2027)
• Senior Division: Ages 18–30 (must be at least 18 but not have reached 31st birthday by February 1, 2027)

Target Group

The Sphinx Competition is open to Black and Latino string musicians who are U.S. residents or have a valid U.S. visa at the time of applying and performing. The competition celebrates artistic talent and provides career advancement opportunities for underrepresented communities in classical music.

Prizes and Awards

Senior Division (Ages 18–30):

• 1st Place: $50,000 Robert Frederick Smith Prize + solo appearances with major orchestras
• 2nd Place: $20,000
• 3rd Place: $10,000
• Audience Choice: $5,000

Junior Division (Ages 17 and under):

• 1st Place: $10,000 + solo appearances with major orchestras
• 2nd Place: $5,000
• 3rd Place: $3,000

Additional Benefits:

• Performance with the professional Sphinx Symphony Orchestra
• Access to scholarships and fine instruments through the Sphinx Music Assistance Fund
• Masterclasses, panel discussions, and networking events
• Career advancement opportunities

Eligibility Requirements

Essential criteria:

• Instrument: Violin, Viola, Cello, or Double Bass.
• Age:
  • Junior Division: Must not have reached 18th birthday by February 1, 2027.
  • Senior Division: Must be at least 18 but not have reached 31st birthday by February 1, 2027.
• Residency: Must be a U.S. resident or have a valid U.S. visa at the time of applying and performing.
• Previous Winners: Participants must not have been a 1st Place Winner in their division in any previous Sphinx Competition. Honorable mention, 2nd Place, 3rd Place, and Audience Choice winners may re-apply.
• Musical Background: String musicians from Black and Latino communities are encouraged to apply.

Application Procedure

1. Check eligibility – Ensure you meet all age, instrument, residency, and previous winner requirements.
2. Visit the application portal – Applications are processed through the online Acceptd portal at sphinxmusic.getacceptd.com. Create an Acceptd account if you don't have one.
3. Prepare application materials:
   • Video Audition – Submit video recordings according to the repertoire requirements for your division and instrument.
   • Current Biography
   • High-Resolution Headshot – Minimum 300 dpi, clear and well-lit.
   • Personal Reflection Video – 1-minute video sharing what the Sphinx Organization's mission means to you.
4. Review repertoire requirements – Check the specific repertoire requirements for your division and instrument on the Sphinx Competition website. Piano accompaniment is optional for the preliminary round; memorization is optional for preliminaries but required for live rounds.
5. Submit your application – Complete all sections of the online application and upload your materials by October 20, 2026. No late applications are accepted.
6. Audition results – Results will be sent via email approximately 3 weeks after the deadline. Preliminary round feedback is not provided.
7. Live rounds – Selected semi-finalists and finalists will participate in live rounds in Detroit, MI, with piano accompaniment (memorization required).

Important notes: Participants may apply on multiple instruments if they play more than one. All activities on the competition itinerary are mandatory (masterclasses, panel discussions, networking events).

Official Website & Application Link

Sphinx Competition – Official Page

Application Portal: sphinxmusic.getacceptd.com

Contact: Andre Dowell, Chief Programming Officer
Phone: 734-474-9208
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]