Sphinx Competition

Scholarship Sponsored by DTE Foundation

Sphinx Competition — Overview for Applicants and Supporters

Description
**What the competition is**
The Sphinx Competition is an annual national contest for violin, viola, cello, and double bass players held in Detroit, MI. It focuses on elevating Black and Latino string musicians by celebrating artistic excellence and creating pathways for career growth. The event pairs high-level performance opportunities with targeted efforts to reduce systemic barriers for underrepresented communities in classical music.
Key takeaways:
- Annual national string competition based in Detroit.
- Focuses on Black and Latino classical musicians.
- Emphasizes artistic excellence and career development.

Award Value
**Prizes by division**
The competition awards more than $100,000 in total prizes across junior and senior divisions, including the top Robert Frederick Smith Prize for the senior 1st-place winner. Prize packages combine cash awards and performance opportunities with major orchestras for top winners.
Key takeaways:
- Total prizes exceed $100,000.
- Senior 1st Place: $50,000 (Robert Frederick Smith Prize) plus solo appearances.
- Senior 2nd/3rd: $20,000 and $10,000; Audience Choice: $5,000.
- Junior 1st Place: $10,000 plus solo appearances; Junior 2nd/3rd: $5,000 and $3,000.

Eligibility
**Who may apply**
Eligible applicants perform on violin, viola, cello, or double bass and must meet age and residency requirements as of February 1, 2027. Junior applicants must be under 18 on that date; senior applicants must be at least 18 and under 31 on that date. Applicants must be U.S. residents or hold a valid U.S. visa at application and during final-round performances; previous first-place winners are not eligible to enter again in the same division.
Key takeaways:
- Instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass only.
- Junior division: must not have turned 18 by Feb 1, 2027.
- Senior division: must be 18–30 (not reached 31) by Feb 1, 2027.
- Must be U.S. resident or have a valid U.S visa for application and finals.
- Prior first-place winners in a division are ineligible to re-compete in that division.

Application Materials
**What to submit online**
The online application package requires a video audition that follows the stated repertoire rules, a current biography, a high-resolution headshot (minimum 300 dpi), and a one-minute personal reflection video addressing the Sphinx mission. Repertoire requirements differ by division and instrument, so applicants should consult the official checklist before recording. Ensure all written materials are current and your headshot is suitable for press use.
Key takeaways:
- Required: video audition, biography, 300 dpi headshot, 1-minute reflection video.
- Check division- and instrument-specific repertoire requirements before recording.
- Headshot should be clear, well-lit, and press-ready.
- Reflection video: 1 minute max, explaining what Sphinx’s mission means to you.

Audition Video Requirements
**Technical and content rules**
Each submitted video file should contain only one piece (contrasting Bach pieces may be combined at your choice) and must be unedited, recorded in horizontal (landscape) format, and under 1 GB. Applicants must remain on screen at all times; piano accompaniment is recommended but optional. Plan sufficient time to prepare, record, and upload files to avoid technical issues.
Key takeaways:
- One piece per video file (Bach exceptions optional).
- No editing permitted; record in landscape orientation.
- Applicant must be visible on screen throughout.
- Files must be smaller than 1 GB; piano accompaniment recommended.
- Allow extra time for preparation and upload.

Additional Opportunities
**Performance and support benefits**
Finalists in both divisions may perform with the professional Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, composed of leading musicians from across the U.S. All semi-finalists and finalists gain access to scholarships and instrument resources through the Sphinx Music Assistance Fund, which helps bridge gaps in education and access. These opportunities are intended to extend career support beyond cash awards.
Key takeaways:
- Finalists can perform with the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra.
- Semi-finalists and finalists can access scholarships and instrument assistance.
- Program offers career-development resources in addition to monetary prizes.

For questions about eligibility or application details, contact [email protected].