Sphinx Competition
Scholarship Overview: High school and adults (to age 30) Black and Latinx string musicians national competition with scholarship opportunities.
Deadline Date: October 20, 2025
Scholarship Details:
Scholarship Details:
The Sphinx Competition is an annual national competition for young Black and Latinx classical string players. Open to U.S. residents who play the violin, viola, cello, or double bass, the competition aims to develop and showcase exceptional musical talent while increasing diversity in classical music. Finalists perform with professional orchestras and receive mentorship, exposure, and cash prizes.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must identify as Black or Latinx.
- Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or DACA recipient.
- Must play violin, viola, cello, or double bass.
- Must meet one of the following age categories as of the competition date:
- Junior Division: Ages 17 and under
- Senior Division: Ages 18–30 (must not have a full-time position in a professional orchestra)
Application Requirements:
- Online application and audition video.
- Current Biography
- High-Resolution Headshot
- Personal Reflection Video (1 Minute Max)- In a one-minute video, please share what the Sphinx Organization’s mission means to you.
Essay/Video Details:
Applicants submit a video performance as outlined on the application portal.
Application Requirements: Video
Essay Details:
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.
Award Amount: 50,000
Award Details:
Winners receive cash awards and performance opportunities with major orchestras.
Website/URL: https://www.sphinxmusic.org/sphinx-competition
Scholarship Manager Information:
Contact Name: Andre Dowell
Contact Email: Andre@SphinxMusic.org
Additional Contact & Submission Information:
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.
Filters:
Eligibility: Ethnicity/Race, Undocumented
Areas of Study: Open to All, Arts (Visual & Performing)
Applicant’s Current Education Level: High School Student (9-11), High School Senior, College Student, Technical/Trade Student, Workforce
Location Specific: National