Sphinx Competition
Offered by Sphinx Organization
About This Scholarship
The Sphinx Competition, held annually in Detroit since 1998 by the Sphinx Organization, is the nation's leading competition for young Black and Latino string players. Beyond celebrating artistic excellence, it opens doors: winners earn cash prizes and solo appearances with major American orchestras, and the competition has launched the careers of many of today's prominent classical musicians.
The money is substantial. In the Senior Division (ages 18-30), first place carries the $50,000 Robert Frederick Smith Prize plus solo orchestral appearances, with $20,000 for second place, $10,000 for third, and a $5,000 audience choice award. The Junior Division (ages 17 and under) awards $10,000, $5,000, and $3,000 to its top three finishers, with first place also earning orchestra appearances.
The competition is open to violin, viola, cello, and double bass players from Black and Latino communities. Applicants submit recorded audition materials, and semi-finalists travel to Detroit for live rounds with travel support provided. Applications for the 2027 competition are open now, with a deadline of October 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Eligibility
- String musician (violin, viola, cello, or double bass) from the Black and/or Latino community
- Junior Division: ages 17 and under; Senior Division: ages 18-30
- Submit recorded audition repertoire through the online application
- Semi-finalists participate in live rounds in Detroit
How To Apply
- Complete the online application at sphinxmusic.org/sphinx-competition, including your recorded audition materials, by October 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
- If selected as a semi-finalist, prepare the required repertoire for the live competition rounds in Detroit (early 2027).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sphinx Competition prize money a college scholarship?
Prizes are cash awards rather than tuition-restricted scholarships, so winners can put them toward education, instruments, or career development - and top winners also earn solo appearances with major orchestras.
Who can enter the Sphinx Competition?
Black and Latino string players (violin, viola, cello, double bass) - ages 17 and under for the Junior Division, ages 18-30 for the Senior Division.