Sphinx Competition

Scholarship Sponsored by DTE Foundation

The Sphinx Competition, held every year in Detroit (MI), is a national competition for string musicians, that transforms lives by celebrating the artistic talent, providing career advancement opportunities and addressing systemic obstacles within Black and Latino communities.

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 more than $100,000 in prizes, including the top Robert Frederick Smith Prize.

All semi-finalists and finalists have access to scholarships and fine instruments through the Sphinx Music Assistance Fund.

Prizes

SENIOR DIVISION (Ages 18  30)

1st Place  $50,000 Robert Frederick Smith Prize and 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

Application Information

Applications for the Sphinx Competition are processed through our online Acceptd portal.

For eligibility and application requirements, please review the information below.

THE DEADLINE FOR THE 2026 SPHINX COMPETITION IS ON OCTOBER 20, 2025.

The application for 2026 Competition will open in the spring of 2025. Join our mailing list to be the first to know when applications open.

To apply to the Sphinx Competition:

1. Instrument categories are Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass.
2. Participants in the Junior Division must not have reached their 18th birthday by February 1, 2026. Participants in the Senior Division must be at least 18 years old but not have reached their 31st birthday by February 1, 2026.
3. Participants must be a U.S. resident or have a valid U.S visa at the time of applying and performing during the final rounds of the junior and senior division. For questions about eligibility, please contact Competition@SphinxMusic.org.
4. Participants must not have been a 1st Place Winner in their division in any previous Sphinx Competition.

The application for 2026 Competition will open in the spring of 2025.

Join our mailing list to be the first to know when applications open.

2026 Application Deadline: Oct. 20, 2025

(no late applications will be accepted past the deadline)

Online Application Requirements

1. Video audition  Please refer to the audition requirements for the applicable division and instrument
2. Current biography
3. High resolution headshot. Minimum 300dpi. (Professional photography not required)

Audition Video Requirements

1. Each video file should contain only one piece. You may choose to submit contrasting Bach pieces as a single video file or as separate video files.
2. Videos must not be edited in any way.
3. Piano accompaniment is recommended, but not required.
4. The applicant must remain on screen at all times.
5. Videos uploaded must be smaller than one gigabyte (1 GB) in size.
6. Please allow sufficient time to prepare and upload videos.

How to Apply

You will need an Acceptd account to apply.

• navigate to app.getacceptd.com/signup
• Create your account using your email and create a password
• Fill out all necessary info and then click "Create Account"

Once signed into your Acceptd account, navigate to sphinxmusic.getacceptd.com and select Sphinx Competition from the dropdown on the left side of the page.